Heat Wave Continues Thursday, Friday In The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Temps in the 90s return to the region through Saturday, according to forecasters.

"Widespread, dangerous heat will unfortunately be the main weather story for much of the country this week as one heatwave continues for the Plains, Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic, and another heatwave begins over portions of the West," according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

A heat advisory is in effect for Rockland and Westchester counties from 1 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday. Heat advisories may be needed for some lower elevation areas in Dutchess and Ulster counties on Friday, as heat indices are expected to approach the mid and upper 90s, the NWS said.

Meanwhile, a hazardous outlook has been issued for those two counties, as there is a chance for thunderstorms Friday through Monday, mainly during the afternoon and evening hours. Some storms may produce locally heavy rainfall, especially on the weekend, the NWS said.

"Big heat always ends with the potential for severe weather, heads up either side of Saturday," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook.

Overnight temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 70s for NYC and much of northeast New Jersey, otherwise mainly in the lower 70s.

The heat advisories stretch across the Tri-State area.

Heat advisories are 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.

Hot temperatures and high humidity, specially when combined with sustained warmth through the night, may cause heat illnesses. Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk.

Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. If you don't have home air conditioning, the NWS recommends seeking 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. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.

This week’s predicted high temperatures and humidity can create increased demand for electricity to power air conditioners, which can place stress on electric delivery equipment. O&R crews will be ready to respond to any issues that arise to make repairs and restore service.

O&R also urges customers to use energy efficiently and take steps to stay safe and comfortable. Here are some cooling tips to help customers stay comfortable and save money on energy.

• Turn down or turn off air conditioning in your home while you are away or at work to help lower your energy bill.
• Set your air conditioner to the highest temperature your comfort and health will allow to help you save cooling money.
• Close all doors and windows in your home while the air conditioning is running to make things cooler at a lower price.
• Cook, bake, or perform other household activities that produce heat and humidity during the cooler times of the day and night.
• Pull your curtains and shades closed to help block out the sun and the heat of the day.
• Take advantage of your smart meter by viewing your energy usage and customized energy savings tips located in your online account at oru.com/MyAccount.
• Consider upgrading your older thermostats and appliances to ones that are more energy efficient. Smart thermostats can control the temperature in your home from anywhere.

Here's the 4-day forecast based on White Plains:

Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind around 9 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 96. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning.

Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Light southeast wind.

Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday
A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 88.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.