Heat, Storms: Hazardous Weather In The Hudson Valley

As Tropical Storm Fay dissipates (see local totals below), the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory and hazardous weather outlooks for the Hudson Valley Saturday.

The heat advisory is for the mid-Hudson region and is in effect from noon to 7 p.m.

"As we all know, mother nature never takes a break. Now that tropical storm Fay has moved out of our region into Canada, today will feature a severe weather threat across the Hudson Valley," Kyle Kisslinger said on Hudson Valley Weather. "‘Real feels’ will be well into the mid-90s in many locations, which has prompted heat advisories for the mid-Hudson Valley. Combined, this will result in the chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms, some of which could be severe. Current model guidance suggests storms will develop between 1-4 pm and will persist through sunset. "

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties Saturday afternoon into evening. The primary threats are damaging winds, one inch hail and localized flash flooding.

For Dutchess and Ulster counties, there is also a marginal risk. The main threat would be damaging wind gusts. Thunderstorms should move from the southwest toward the northeast at 20 to 25 mph. In addition, thunderstorms may produce locally heavy rainfall, which could produce isolated flash flooding.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

The NWS reminds you when it's this hot: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 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.

Rainfall totals

Orange County

• WARWICK 1.79 inches
• 2.6 MILES NW OF TUXEDO PARK 1.48
• OTISVILLE 1.43
• MIDDLETOWN 1.16
• 1 ENE PORT JERVIS 1.08

Rockland County

• 0.9 N MONTEBELLO 1.79 inches
• SUFFERN 1.62
• MONTEBELLO 1.48
• SLOATSBURG 1.46
• SPRING VALLEY 1.40
• NANUET 1.34

Westchester County

• MOUNT KISCO 1.87 inches
• TARRYTOWN 1.30
• EASTCHESTER 1.02

Here's the NWS's forecast for the next couple of days:

• Saturday: Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and small hail. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent. Heat index values in the upper 90s this afternoon.
• Saturday night - Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Sunday - Sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• Sunday Night - Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Monday - Partly sunny with a chance of showers. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.