Sweltering Heat Returns: Hudson Valley Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — It already feels hot, but temps are going to climb: there are heat advisories out for the lower and mid-Hudson regions.

"By Tuesday we’re roughly 5 to 10 degrees ABOVE average," Alex Marra and Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather predicted.

The heat advisory for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties extends until Wednesday night. The National Weather Service says heat index values will get up into the lower 100s.

The heat advisory for Dutchess and Ulster counties only extends until 8 p.m. Tuesday, though the NWS says another may well be needed Wednesday. Heat index values of 95 to 100 are expected.

In addition, in the lower Hudson Valley there is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon through this evening with the primary threat being damaging winds.

In the mid-Hudson, a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms is possible Wednesday and Thursday afternoons with isolated damaging winds the main threats. Localized heavy rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding and isolated flash flooding is possible Wednesday and Thursday into Thursday night.

This storm system may push tropical storm Elsa off the mid-Atlantic coastline, but "Forecasters are monitoring the potential for Elsa to sideswipe the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts with a period of drenching rain and strong winds during the latter part of the week," said Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist.

Forecasters are monitoring the potential for Elsa to sideswipe the coast with a period of drenching rain and strong winds during the latter part of the week, Duff said.

A Heat Advisory is 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.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

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

Here's the four-day forecast based on Mount Kisco from the NWS:

• Tuesday - A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 8 to 11 mph.
• Tuesday night - Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday - A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 99. West wind 3 to 7 mph.
• Wednesday Night - A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Thursday - A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then a chance of rain and thunderstorms between 9am and 3pm, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday Night - Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Friday - Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Friday Night - Rain likely before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

To cope with the steamy forecast, O&R offers these tips to help you try to 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.