NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- The Labor Day weekend is expected to be a real stunner in the New York area, with sunny skies and pleasant temps—but the summer will exit with a bang as highs hit the 90s next week.
The potential heat wave could land between Sunday and Wednesday and would mark the second heat wave of the season. Even if the city doesn't reach an official heat wave of three 90-degree days, high humidity will likely drive the heat index into the upper 90s across the five boroughs.
But the weather will be near picture-perfect to start the holiday weekend, according to AccuWeather.
Friday is a beautiful day as the sun shines and highs level off around 78 in the city. It will be pleasant, though slightly chilly, Friday night with a low of 63.
Saturday will be sunny and pleasant as highs near 80. Sunday will be similarly nice, though slightly warmer, with highs around 86.
Temps rise, along with the humidity, on Labor Day Monday. It will be 90 degrees, but the humidity will push RealFeel temps to the upper 90s.
The hot, humid weather will continue Tuesday and Wednesday, when highs are forecast to be in the low 90s.
Holiday travelers should plan for crowded airports and full flights on one of the busiest weekends of the year. New Yorkers staying home should know any buzzing they hear over their holiday party could be an NYPD drone.
Anyone heading out to the beaches on Long Island or the Jersey Shore should be cautious, as there's a high risk of rip currents, especially on Friday.
The rough waters—caused by the combination of a supermoon and the tropical systems Franklin and Idalia—led to closures at three state parks on the South Shore on Thursday.
Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills parks all experienced significant water levels, rough surf and rip currents, with extensive flooding at the Jones Beach beachfront and unpassable areas at Robert Moses and Hither Hills.
All three parks reopened to swimming Friday after lifeguards and state parks staff determined conditions were safe, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
"I am pleased the flooding and rough surf on our Long Island coast has diminished, and New Yorkers can enjoy a wonderful Labor Day weekend at the beach," the governor said in a statement.
Swimming updates for state parks can be found at parks.ny.gov.
Some locally run beaches on the island remained closed or had restrictions Friday, including Tobay Beach, Lido Beach and Long Beach.
The rip current risk may continue into the weekend, though it's expected to get incrementally better.