Long Island Heat Brings Air Quality, Fire Risks

As temperatures rise into the 80s today on Long Island, the National Weather Service has issued "Special Weather Statements" for the area. The advisory is for air quality an enhanced risk of fire spread this afternoon, the weather service cautions.

Air Quality Alert

Air quality levels in Nassau and Suffolk counties are expected to be elevated until Wednesday evening. The NWS says those with respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease should consider limiting strenuous outdoor activities.

Risk of Fire

In its Special Weather Statement for all of Long Island and surrounding areas, the weather service says, "Wind gusts late this morning through early this evening will increase to around 20 to 30 mph as relative humidities fall to around 30 percent. This will continue to dry the fine fuels over southeast New York and southern Connecticut, resulting in an enhanced risk for fire spread today across these areas.

Weather Forecast

The NWS says temperatures will rise into the 80s in certain areas on Wednesday afternoon, which is about 20 degrees above normal for the beginning of May.

"Clouds will gradually increase during the day on Thursday as a cold front begins to approach from the west and the high to our south slowly moves offshore. This will result in a chance for showers and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon....," the National Weather Service says.

Here's the updated forecast for Long Island:

• Wednesday afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 15 to 17 mph.
• Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph.
• Thursday night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.
• Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 10 to 17 mph.
• Friday night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
• Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63.
• Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

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