Heat Advisories Issued For The Hudson Valley: NWS

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Temperatures are expected to climb this week across the region, and the National Weather Service has issued heat advisories.

For Dutchess and Ulster, heat index values of 100 to 104 are expected. The advisory is in effect from noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Thursday.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester counties, heat index values of 95-100 are expected and the advisory is in effect for noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"The summer solstice arrives Thursday afternoon and it will be a historic celebration of its arrival with this extreme heat, possibly generating a late day thunderstorm and Heat Indices over 100°F," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook. "The HEAT will turn your yard into scorched earth before Friday."

It's due to a heat wave expanding from the central Plains across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley into the Northeast, according to the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

"The increased demand for cooling is going to be a problem here. This could have some impacts on the power grid," AccuWeather Chief Video Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

The New York State Department of Public Service is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week's extreme heat. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be tracking system conditions throughout the event. If necessary, DPS will activate its standard peak load reduction program for all New York State agencies; the New York Independent System Operator will activate their voluntary Emergency Response Demand Program to curtail load as necessary and New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, for this heat event.

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

"There won't be much relief from the heat after the sun sets either, as overnight lows will only fall into the mid-70s," said Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer.

The high temps plus high humidity may cause heat illnesses, 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.

The NWS advises:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• 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.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.

Heat Stroke and Exhaustion - Know the Symptoms and What to Do

• Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-related illness and is always an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or your loved one has a body temperature above 105°, a rapid pulse, confusion, rapid or shallow breathing, or loses consciousness. Try to cool the person quickly using a cool bath, fans and air conditioning while you wait for emergency responders.
• Heavy sweating, fainting, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, weakness and cold clammy skin can be indications of heat exhaustion, which can quickly escalate to heat stroke without prompt intervention. Individuals should be moved to a cool place, and cool wet cloths applied to the neck, face and arms.
• Heat cramps in the abdominal area or extremities can be treated by moving to a cool place, gently stretching the cramped muscle and drinking cool water.

According to the National Weather Service, in order for an official heat wave to be declared, three or more consecutive days of 90-degrees or higher must be forecast.

Here's the work-week forecast based on Orange County:

Monday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight
Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, hot with highs in the mid 90s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Heat index values up to 100 in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Juneteenth
Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the mid 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Heat index values up to 101.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.

Thursday
Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. Heat index values up to 105 in the afternoon.

Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s.

Friday
Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. Chance of rain 40 percent. Heat index values up to 105.

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.