Rain, Thunderstorms Could Alleviate Dry Conditions: HV Weekend

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — While most of the region continues to be abnormally dry, large parts of Orange and Rockland counties are now so parched they are in "moderate drought" conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday.

Rain expected Thursday night did not materialize. However, rain is in the forecast — possibly a lot of it.

Showers are likely Friday night and Saturday, and then a chance of showers Sunday and Monday, then more rain likely Monday night and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms are possible Saturday night into Sunday night.

The NWS says "showers" but the state's meteorologists are forecasting a deluge.

"Nearly every region across the State will experience thunderstorms or heavy rainfall over the coming days, putting many communities at risk of isolated flash floods," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "Localized flooding is possible in the New York City, Long Island, Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier regions. Upstate regions including the Capital Region, North Country, Mohawk Valley and Central New York are also at risk for excessive rainfall and isolated flash floods. State personnel are constantly monitoring forecasts and I encourage all New Yorkers to take responsible precautions: be aware of local forecasts, sign up for emergency alerts, monitor any road closures and prepare a bag of supplies in the unlikely event that a rapid evacuation is needed."

Looking through next week, some areas could even see 2-4 inches of rain through June 29, ending a six-week dry spell.

The unsettled pattern will linger for days, said the folks at Hudson Valley Weather.

Here's the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service based on northern Westchester:

• Friday - Cloudy. A slight chance of showers late this morning, then showers likely with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Tonight - Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely with a slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Saturday - A chance of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 80. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Saturday Night - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Southeast winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Sunday - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Monday - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Monday Night - Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Tuesday - Showers likely. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Tuesday Night - Showers likely. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 60 percent.
• Wednesday - Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 70s.
• Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows around 60.
• Thursday - Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs in the upper 70s.

Here's what the next 48 hours look like for Rockland County: