Winds Rise, Temps Plunge, Snow Possible: Hudson Valley Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Hazardous weather outlooks have been issued across the Hudson Valley, and snow squalls are possible Sunday in Dutchess and Ulster counties.

Welcome back to March.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, saying we should expect northest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Use extra caution when driving Friday night, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle, or on bridges and elevated roadways. Secure outdoor objects.

For the mid-Hudson, the NWS said strong west-to-northwest winds with gusts ranging from 20 to 30 mph are possible Friday night. Strong northwest winds with gusts of 35 to 45 mph will be possible Sunday as another cold front tracks through the region. If the potential for stronger wind gusts increases, then a wind advisory would be issued.

The low humidity could create conditions conducive for fire growth and spread.

Here's the kicker: Snow squalls are also possible with the passage of the front.

Oh, and while we enjoyed a balmy Wednesday, Thursday and Friday — highs in the mid to upper 60s were about 20 degrees above average, Hudson Valley Weather said — temperatures will return to March-like levels. They'll keep dropping through the weekend into the 20s at night and rising only into the 30s during the day on Monday.

"Not only are temperatures forecast to plummet drastically within 24 hours, but also compared to Thursday's afternoon highs, it will be feeling downright frigid," said Courtney Travis, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, who also laid out more bad news. "AccuWeather long-range meteorologists are forecasting more waves of cold air to arrive through at least the end of March, which will make it possible for more snowflakes to fly in the Northeast during the remainder of the month."

Here's the four-day forecast from the National Weather Service based on Putnam County:

• Friday-Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph this afternoon.
• Friday night-Mostly clear and windy. Much cooler with lows in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
• Saturday-Sunny, cooler with highs in the mid 40s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
• Saturday Night-Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday-Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
• Sunday Night-Mostly clear. Lows around 20.
• Monday-Mostly sunny. Cold with highs in the mid 30s.
• Monday Night-Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.