Long Island forecast: Big waves, bad rip currents on a wet and chilly holiday weekend

High surf and rip current advisories are in effect Sunday for ocean-facing beaches on Long Island amid a persistent helping of Memorial Day weekend rain and chilly temperatures. 

The National Weather Service warned of "large breaking waves" up to 10 feet and "life-threatening rip currents" in the surf zone. The advisory noted that "rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water" and that "anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf."

The surf advisory, which covers Brooklyn, southern Queens, and the South Shores of Nassau and Suffolk counties, will be in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday. The rip current warning continues through 9 p.m. on Monday. Overall, it will be far-less-than ideal for anyone contemplating a Memorial Day at the beach.

"The water temperatures are still very, very cold," said John Murray, a meteorologist at the weather service's Upton office.

The rough surf should ease Monday, Murray added, as gusts the weather service predicted could hit 28 mph Sunday die down. But swells could still reach 5 to 6 feet Monday. 

Temperatures for the Memorial Day weekend— widely considered the unofficial start of summer — have been "well below normal," Murray said, adding that for that last week in May, the low 70s is the norm.

The high Sunday was forecast to top out just below 60, and the overnight low should dip to about 55.

"The rain today "becomes more of a drizzle" by Sunday evening, Murray said, with "areas of fog Sunday night."

Monday's temperature will climb back to seasonal territory with a high of 71, but it will remain damp, with showers and a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, and a slight chance of rain later in the day.

Tuesday will be dry but mostly cloudy. The high is forecast to be about 75, dropping to 59 at night. Wednesday should bring a bit of sun, and a daytime high around 78.

Long Island is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Through Saturday, the Island had received 1.52 inches of rain so far this month, nearly an inch less than normal. Sunday’s rainfall will ease those conditions slightly.