Connecticut's shoreline could be one of the best places in the state to close out summer this Labor Day weekend.
The forecast is not completely flawless, with a few showers possible Friday and a lower-end chance late Saturday. Still, most of the four-day stretch features sunshine, gentle winds, calm Long Island Sound water and a welcome break from the oppressive humidity that has made several recent beach days feel like a workout.
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound are in the low to middle 70s, which is typical near the climatological peak of the year.
Friday should bring a good deal of sunshine, with shoreline highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Dew points remain in the upper 60s, so it may feel a little sticky at times, but considerably more reasonable than this week's tropical air.
The one complication is a chance for a shower, especially from late morning into the afternoon. It should not be an all-day washout, and many beaches may stay dry, but keep the radar handy if you are making a full-day commitment.
Northwest winds remain light, generally around 5 to 10 mph, with waves around 1 foot or less.
Daytime tide trend: High tide occurs before sunrise, between roughly 3 and 5 a.m. Low tide follows between about 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., with water levels rising again through the afternoon toward a late-day high.
Saturday looks mostly sunny and noticeably more comfortable. Shoreline temperatures should reach the middle to upper 70s, while dew points fall into the lower to middle 60s.
A north breeze around 5 to 10 mph will reinforce the pleasant feel, and Long Island Sound stays calm with waves around 1 foot or less. A brief late-afternoon shower cannot be ruled out, but most beach plans should be in good shape.
Daytime tide trend: Morning high tide occurs between about 4:15 and 6:15 a.m., followed by low tide from roughly 10:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. The tide then comes back in during the afternoon.
Sunday looks like the pick of the weekend for anyone chasing a quiet, early-September beach day. Expect mostly sunny skies, highs in the lower to middle 70s along the shore and dew points in the upper 50s.
A light north breeze keeps the air feeling crisp, while the Sound remains smooth. The toughest part of the day may be accepting that beach season is getting a little too close to its finale.
Daytime tide trend: High tide arrives between about 5:30 and 7:30 a.m., followed by low tide from noon to around 1:30 p.m. Water levels rise again during the later afternoon.
Labor Day looks sunny, dry and seasonable, with shoreline highs in the middle to upper 70s. Dew points remain comfortably in the 50s, and a light northwest breeze should keep the beach air feeling more like early fall than midsummer.
Waves remain around 1 foot or less, setting up a calm finish to the holiday weekend.
Daytime tide trend: High tide runs from about 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., with low tide between roughly 1 and 2:45 p.m. The beach will gradually widen through the early afternoon before the tide turns back in later in the day.
Tides occur earlier in eastern Connecticut and later toward Bridgeport and western Connecticut. As of Thursday, Hammonasset, Sherwood Island and Silver Sands were listed as open for swimming, while West Beach at Rocky Neck remained closed. Municipal beach conditions can differ, so check the latest Connecticut State Parks water-quality report before leaving home.
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This article originally published at Connecticut's shoreline looks ideal for one last beach weekend. Here's the best day to go.