Rain could impact Independence Day fireworks, other holiday events

Long Island’s Independence Day could bring dangerous ocean rip currents and storms during prime firework-viewing hours, meteorologists said.

A National Weather Service coastal hazard message warned that “Life threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone” Nassau beaches from noon through the evening. “Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf.” The hazard message also applies to Queens and Brooklyn, but not Suffolk County. 

To stay safe, said Joe Pollina, a meteorologist at the weather service’s Upton station, it’s best not to go in more than ankle-deep in the affected areas, and “always swim near a lifeguard.” 

The weather service’s Upton station forecasts a chance of evening showers and thunderstorms.

“It all depends on how low the clouds are and how widespread the rains will actually be,” said Pollina. The weather service forecast calls for a 40-50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms between 6 pm. And 10 p.m., dropping to 30-40 percent after 10 p.m.

That could impact evening fireworks shows at the Catholic Health Ampitheater at Bald Hill and Jones Beach, scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively.

Thursday’s daytime weather will be warm and mostly sunny. Evening temperatures will dip to 70. The chance of rain tonight will linger through Saturday. Sunday will once more bring sunny conditions and a high of 86.