Heat, Bad Air, Coastal Floods: Advisories Issued For The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service has issued advisories for bad air across the region, for heat and humidity in Dutchess and Ulster counties, plus another coastal flood advisory for the Sound Shore.

Coastal flooding

Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline again late in the evening in southern Westchester.Hot and humid

Air pollution

Ozone, not the toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires, is causing the poor air quality.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued a Air Quality Health Advisory from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday: Unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or respiratory issues.

Hazy goes with heat.

The advisory for Dutchess and Ulster counties is in effect from noon till 8 p.m. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. The highest temperatures and heat indices will generally be found in the urban valley locations and peak in the mid to late afternoon for a couple of hours.

As a precaution, drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing whenever possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

An extended period of hot and humid conditions is in store for the Northeast, said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist. "The lengthy period of hot and humid weather is right on cue for early July."

There were 648 wildfires burning in Canada July 5, according to the Canada Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The toxic smoke plume was drifting northeast.

Forecast

Here's the forecast through the weekend, from the National Weather Service based on Rockland County:

• Thursday - Sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent. Heat index values in the mid 90s.
• Tonight - Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Humid with lows around 70. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Friday - Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• Friday Night - Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
• Saturday - Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
• Saturday Night - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
• Sunday - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of rain 60 percent.
• Sunday Night - Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Monday - Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Monday Night - Mostly cloudy in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Here are the next 48 hours at a glance: