The National Weather Service is calling for cloud-free skies, a lot of sunshine and a generally picturesque Independence Day — and, evening — but Long Islanders could see strong thunderstorms in advance of the holiday weekend.

In a hazardous weather statement issued early Thursday, the weather service warned of potential isolated, scattered severe thunderstorms, with damaging wind gusts, in the afternoon into the evening.

Those storms could move into Nassau and Suffolk in late-afternoon, likely sometime after 5 p.m. the weather service said, though they should move through rapidly — most likely gone from the area before midnight.

Thursday's high could approach 90, with overnight temperatures falling back into the upper 60s. The weather service is calling for a high of around 87 degrees Friday — with mostly clear skies Friday night, with temperatures again in the upper 60s.

The holiday weekend also promises terrific beach and outdoor weather, with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday. Monday's highs could reach 90.

Most of those days will see light, gentle breezes and only scattered clouds, the weather service said.

There is rain and possible thunderstorms again in the forecast for Tuesday.