Hudson Valley July 4th Weekend Forecast Includes Thunderstorms

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Temperatures have dropped 30 degrees, ending the June heat wave, but there's a hazardous outlook issued for the mid-Hudson Valley for Friday and Saturday.

Everywhere else in the region showers and thunderstorms are possible over most of the weekend including Independence Day.

"Hopefully Sunday will see enough improvement to get through most of the events for the day," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde.

For Dutchess and Ulster counties, there is a marginal risk of severe weather Friday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said. Isolated storms could contain large hail to one inch in diameter and gusty winds to 60 mph. Locally heavy rainfall may result in ponding of water on area roadways and in poor drainage areas as well. Then isolated non-severe thunderstorms may contain brief periods of moderate to heavy rainfall Saturday into Saturday night, which may result in ponding of water on area roadways and in poor drainage areas.

Monday, however, looks good for outdoor fun — and it is a federal holiday.

Here's the NWS weekend forecast based on New City:

• Friday - A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Cloudy, with a high near 76. Light northwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday night - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight, then a chance of showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday Night - A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Independence Day - A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light northwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Sunday Night - A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
• Monday - Sunny, with a high near 83.
• Monday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 67.