Excessive Heat, High Humidity To Take Hold In Hudson Valley

The heat is on for the weekend, humidity will be high, and precautions should be taken. The entire Hudson Valley is under a heat advisory, per the National Weather Service, from noon Saturday, June 30 to noon Sunday, July 1.

An excessive heat watch is in effect for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties from noon Sunday, July 1 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 2.

The NWS said heat index values, thanks to the high humidity, will be in the mid- to upper 90s for Saturday and up to 108 Sunday and Monday for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.

An excessive heat warning is in effect for western Columbia, western Dutchess and eastern Ulster counties from noon Sunday, July 1 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 2.

For Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties there will be heat index values of 95 to 100 Saturday afternoon and 100 to 110 for Sunday and Monday.

For the entire Hudson Valley, the extreme heat can cause illness and death among at-risk populations who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

Add to the mix an air quality alert that is in effect for Rockland and Westchester counties.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an AQI value of 100 for ozone.

When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

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