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Heavy Rain May Ease Drought on Long Island, Forecasters Say

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Much-needed rains—some heavy at times—are expected to fall on Long Island this week, which should help alleviate severe drought conditions in the region, forecasters said.

There is a 100-percent chance that it will rain Tuesday, with the possibility that thunderstorms will bring heavy precipitation, wind gusts up to 36 mph and widespread fog after 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The precipitation is likely to continue through Wednesday night, bringing up to three inches of rain, before skies clear up Thursday, the agency predicted.  

“Tuesday low pressure will be moving through the area and rain will be widespread,” NWS forecasters said in a statement. “During the afternoon the rain may be heavy at times along with a rumble of thunder. Southerly strong and gusty winds will develop during Tuesday and by the afternoon gusts to 30 to 40 mph will be possible across the New York City Metro area and Long Island.”

Warmer air will move into the region along with the rain, with temperatures reaching the mid-50s to lower 60s. The rain comes as much of LI is experiencing severe drought conditions, except for parts of the East End, which in the midst of a slightly less severe moderate drought, the agency said.

Once the storms pass, the forecast for LI is clear through the weekend. Thursday through Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny during the day and partly cloudy after sundown. Temps in the 50s during the day will drop down to the 40s by the weekend and will reach lows of the 30s overnight.