AccuWeather: Clearing, less humid

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

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NEW YORK (WABC) -- Friday, which marks the anniversary of Sept. 11, may start with clouds and perhaps a lingering shower, especially south of New York City.

However, drier air will continue to move into the region, allowing skies to brighten through the morning and into the afternoon. Sunshine is expected to return by midday, with temperatures climbing to around 80 degrees and humidity levels remaining noticeably lower than recent days.

Marine conditions will feature waves of 2 to 4 feet, water temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees, and a rip current risk lowering from high to moderate. Air quality is expected to remain good, while pollen levels will be in the medium-to-high range. The UV index will reach a high of 6, with the strongest sunshine expected during the afternoon.

Friday night will be mainly clear and cooler, with temperatures falling to around 65 degrees. Some suburbs could dip into the 50s, while the coolest locations well north and west may briefly reach the 40s. High clouds will begin increasing late at night.

The upcoming weekend appears generally favorable despite a few rain chances.

Saturday should begin with the brightest weather of the weekend, featuring some sunshine before increasing high clouds gradually filter the sun later in the day. Most locations will stay dry during daylight hours, although a stray shower cannot be ruled out across northern and western suburbs late in the day.

Rain chances increase Saturday night, when scattered showers and even a rumble of thunder are possible. Some showers may linger into Sunday morning before conditions gradually improve. While an isolated shower remains possible Sunday afternoon, the day is not expected to be a washout, with drier weather becoming more likely as the day progresses and temperatures reaching around 79 degrees.

Looking ahead to next week, Monday is expected to be less humid than previously anticipated, with highs near 79 degrees. Tuesday remains pleasant with temperatures around 81. The next opportunity for more widespread showers and thunderstorms appears to arrive Wednesday afternoon, with an additional chance of afternoon showers on Thursday.