HV Severe Storms Friday, Heat Advisories Extended Through Weekend

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Thunderstorms are expected in the region Friday afternoon — eastern Ulster and western Dutchess counties were the first to have a severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service in Albany as a cell traveled south over the region around 1:30 p.m.

People traveling or with outside plans, "be aware of this threat and be prepared to head indoors," the folks at Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook. "Highest risk will be torrential rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning."

Meanwhile, heat advisories have been extended through Sunday evening for Orange, Putnam, Rockland, eastern Ulster, western Dutchess, and northern Westchester counties, the National Weather Service said Friday.

And temps in the 90s may return in the middle of next week.

All weekend, the combination of temperatures in the low to mid-90s and high humidity will lead to heat index values or “feel-like” temperatures between 95 and 100°F, while somewhat lower temperatures are expected for southern Westchester.

High heat index values during the day followed by warm/muggy nights will increase the risk for
heat-related illnesses, especially for sensitive populations, the NWS said.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don`t have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors, the NWS said.

In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.

There is now a marginal risk for severe weather for Sunday as a strong cold front approaches and looks to support more widespread thunderstorms, some of which may be severe. Damaging winds is the primary hazard from any severe storms, the NWS said.

Here's the daily forecast based on Rockland County:

• Friday - Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms late this morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall this afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. West winds around 5 mph, becoming southwest around 5 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent. Heat index values in the upper 90s.
• Tonight - Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the evening. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall in the evening. Humid with lows in the lower 70s. East winds around 5 mph, becoming south after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Saturday - Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Heat index values in the mid 90s.
• Saturday Night - Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Humid with lows in the lower 70s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Sunday - Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the mid 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent. Heat index values up to 100.
• Sunday Night - Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Monday - Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Monday Night - Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Tuesday - Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
• Tuesday Night - Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.
• Wednesday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. Heat index values in the mid 90s in the afternoon.
• Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Thursday - Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.