Record-Breaking Temps, Unhealthy Air Forecast in the Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Take precautions today to avoid heat exhaustion — all too likely given the above-average heat enveloping the Hudson Valley. Parts of the region could break high-temperature records Wednesday and the heat continues through Friday before it cools off for the weekend. Plus, air quality is declining to an unhealthy level as the humidity and heat rise.

• Air Quality Alert for most of the Region today

"Remember… if you’re working outside, be sure to take it slow… take frequent water breaks, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight," said Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather. "It’s going to be a HOT one!"

Hudson Valley Weather advises:

1. Avoid extended strenuous activity
2. Take frequent breaks to hydrate (with water)
3. Remember to take regular breaks in the shade, out of the hot sun

"We don’t want anyone falling victim to heat exhaustion, and on the 1st really hot day of the season, the risk is always higher than normal," Potter said.

The National Weather Service says the heat and humidity is due to a high pressure system anchored off the southeast coast. Highs today will range from the 70s along the coastline to near 90 across parts of the Lower Hudson Valley. Thursday will be even warmer, with highs in the 80s to lower 90s across most of the region. These temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year, the NWS notes.

The record for Wednesday in Poughkeepsie is 90° set in 1977, Potter said. "While Thursday looks to be a degree or two warmer on average, if we’re going to break a record in the Hudson Valley, it will be on Wednesday. That’s because the record high temperature in Poughkeepsie for Thursday 5/18 is 96°, set in 1962."

Ouch! That's a record we don't care to break.

Image via Accuweather.com