AccuWeather: Warm wind, cool coast

AccuWeather forecast for NYC, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A brief taste of summer is on the way, but it won't last long.

Temperatures will surge on Tuesday as a warm, gusty wind pushes highs well into the 80s across interior locations. Parts of New Jersey and areas north and west of New York City could reach the mid80s, while the city itself climbs into the lower 80s. Along the coast and across Long Island, cooler ocean waters will hold temperatures back, with south-facing shores stuck in the 50s and 60s.

Despite the warmth, dry conditions remain a concern. Low humidity and a prolonged lack of rainfall have left topsoil extremely dry. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess counties, where humidity may drop to around 25 percent and wind gusts could reach 35 to 40 mph. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, as fire danger is elevated from New York City north and east.

Most of the area will stay dry through Tuesday, but places well north and west-such as the Catskills, Poconos, and possibly areas near the I84 corridor-could see a few showers late tonight and a chance for thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon. For most, expect patchy clouds rather than widespread rain.

The best chance for more organized rainfall arrives Wednesday. Conditions should stay dry through the morning commute, but showers are expected to develop by midday and continue into Wednesday night. Rain chances linger into Thursday as a weak area of low pressure brushes the coast. However, Thursday does not look like a washout, especially inland, where skies may even brighten at times.

By Friday, cooler air settles in with a pleasant breeze and highs in the mid60s. Another weak disturbance could bring a few showers on Saturday, but timing may work out favorably for Mother's Day, which currently looks mostly dry with temperatures in the upper 60s. A late-day shower can't be ruled out north and west.

Looking ahead to early next week, Monday is expected to be mostly cloudy with a couple of showers.