Hudson Valley Under Heat Advisories, Hazardous Outlooks

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — After two days of record-breaking heat (92 degrees in Poughkeepsie Saturday and Sunday), the National Weather Service has issued hazardous outlooks and a heat advisory in the region.

Dutchess and Ulster counties are under both. The heat advisory — heat indexes in the mid 90s — is in effect from noon to 6 p.m. The hazardous weather outlook warns that isolated to widely-scattered thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into the early evening hours.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester, scattered thunderstorm development is possible this afternoon. The primary threats are gusty winds and lightning strikes.

The humidity is climbing.

"Make sure you take extra precautions … like limit exposure to direct sunlight, take frequent breaks from strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter at Hudson Valley Weather. "We’re at the time of year where people can forget the impacts of the heat, and end up with heat exhaustion in a short period of time."

Here's a look at the next 48 hours:

Much of the country is dealing with temps far above average.

"High temperatures will continue to be more reminiscent of the middle of summer instead of early June," NWS forecasters said. "The greatest departures from normal will likely be across South Dakota, where afternoon highs could reach 95-100 degrees. Highs in the 90s can also be expected along the Interstate 95 corridor from the nation's capital to the greater Boston metro area. It will also be quite hot across the Desert Southwest and western Texas with some 100-105 degree readings expected."

Check up on relatives and neighbors, NWS forecasters ask.

"Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. 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! Call 9 1 1."

They also remind us that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Here's the 5-day forecast from the National Weather Service based on Rockland County:

• Monday - Sunny early, then becoming partly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds this afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Light and variable winds, becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Monday night - Partly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the evening. Humid with lows around 70. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Tuesday - Showers and thunderstorms. Humid with highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
• Tuesday Night - Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the evening. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
• Wednesday - Showers and thunderstorms likely. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Thursday - Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.
• Thursday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
• Friday - Mostly cloudy. Highs around 70.
• Friday Night - Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 50s.