Hazardous Temperatures Ahead For The Hudson Valley

The National Weather Service has issued hazardous weather outlooks for Wednesday through Monday across the Hudson Valley. With all the heat and humidity, it will feel as if it's 100-110 degrees over the weekend, the NWS predicts.

First, for the mid-Hudson Valley, the remnants of Hurricane Barry could bring thunderstorms with heavy rain.

For Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties, the NWS says:

Excessive heat and humidity are becoming increasingly likely Friday and Saturday with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and maximum heat index values between 105 and 110.

For Putnam, the heat index will be slightly lower, the NWS says:

Excessive heat and humidity is possible on Saturday with high temperatures in the mid 90s and maximum heat index values around 105.

For Dutchess and Ulster counties, the hazardous weather outlook starts Tuesday:

DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Isolated, non severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, mainly for areas west of the Hudson River.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. There is a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday through Thursday. Thunderstorms may contain locally heavy rain as the remnants of Barry moves across the area. Isolated flooding of poor drainage, urban and low lying areas could occur, especially for areas along and south of Interstate 90.

Hot and humid weather will develop later this week, with heat indices approaching or exceeding 100 degrees Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Heat Advisories or Excessive Heat Warnings may be needed.

The air quality Tuesday is moderate from New York City all the way up the Hudson Valley, according the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Before the heat really rises, the lower Hudson Valley could see rain and isolated thunderstorms Tuesday night through Thursday. Showers are most likely after 4 p.m. Wednesday. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High temps will be in the mid to high 80s.

After that, temps will rise.

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged.

• Heat Cramps
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Stroke

How to Respond to Excessive Heat Events

• Slow down: reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
• Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you on a fluid restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Keep your children, disabled adults, and pets safe during tumultuous heat waves.
• Don't leave valuable electronic equipment, such as cell phones and gps units, sitting in hot cars.
• Make sure rooms are well vented if you are using volatile chemicals.

For more information on all these topics, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.