Severe Thunderstorms Target NYC As Air Quality Alert Is Issued

NEW YORK CITY — An air quality alert has been issued for New York City on top of the severe thunderstorms and rain expected Friday night that will dampen the summer-like weather.

The National Weather Service issued the alert for New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Westchester and Rockland counties from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The alert warns that the air quality index could exceed over 100.

Those levels can affect sensitive groups, including the elderly, and experts recommend limiting time outdoors.

Thunderstorms and rain will move into the NYC area due to a cold front in the Northeast beginning at 9 p.m., according to AccuWeather. Showers are poised to last until 2 a.m. Saturday.

The NYC are has the potential to see damaging wind gusts close to 60 mph that could damage trees and power lines — and possible hail, NWS forecasters said.

After the rain, NYC will see its next wave — with temperatures reaching the 90s — will take over through next week.

Beginning Tuesday, temperatures will be over 85 degrees, Saturday and Sunday will be the high mark with temperatures reaching 93 and 94 degrees respectively, according to forecasts.