Thunderstorms, Hail, Wind Gusts Possible In Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — After Tuesday's oppressive heat, the Hudson Valley is due for a drop in temperatures. But there may be a price to pay.

The National Weather Service has issued hazardous weather outlooks for the entire region — except for southern Westchester — Wednesday.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester counties, scattered showers with a few thunderstorms may track into the region late Wednesday afternoon and through the evening.

A few of the storms may be strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts and locally heavy downpours.

For the mid-Hudson Valley, including Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties, there is a chance for thunderstorms Wednesday, with a slight risk of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging winds and large hail.

AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said the thunderstorms in the forecast could "pack a punch" but also turn down the temperature dial.

He said the combo of hot and humid air over the Northeast and the extra lift in the atmosphere from the approaching front could let thunderstorm clouds tower several miles into the atmosphere. That could not only bring downpours and localized flash flooding but also hail and strong wind gusts.

Here's a look at the weather through the end of the workweek for northern Westchester from the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. South wind around 7 mph.
• Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 8am, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Thursday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 8pm. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
• Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.