Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Mid-Hudson Valley

MID-HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Rising temperatures — again — and increasing humidity — again — mean the possibility of thunderstorms in parts of the Hudson Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties.

The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.

A hazardous weather outlook was issued earlier for the area.

It said there is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening.

The greatest hazard from these thunderstorms is expected to be scattered damaging straight line winds, although there could also be large hail and an isolated tornado.

Locally heavy downpours will also be possible.

And it will also feel hot. The combination of warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity may allow heat indices to reach 90 to 95 degrees within portions of the mid-Hudson Valley Thursday afternoon.