Showers, Thunderstorms Possible For July 4th

As the heat continues, the Hudson Valley could also see possibly severe weather Tuesday. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 30 percent to 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, sometime after noon into the early afternoon.

NY Metro Weather said that a few of the thunderstorms may be strong to severe with heavy rainfall and frequent lightning.

An air quality alert is in effect for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties until 11 p.m. Tuesday. For Dutchess and Ulster counties, the alert is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

A heat advisory is still in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.
People in Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties will see the heat advisory expire an hour earlier at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Heat index values for the region will be up to 104 degrees, due to temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s. The problem? Dewpoints in the mid 60s to lower 70s. The NWS warns that the combination of heat and high humidity may cause heat stress or other heat-related illnesses.

If you are planning outdoor activities for Independence Day Wednesday, be prepared for the possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms during the day.

The timing at this point according to the NWS is in the morning for northern Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and points north in the Hudson Valley and after 1 p.m. for southern Westchester.

AccuWeather.com said most of the thunderstorms Wednesday should occur during the afternoon and diminish prior to July Fourth fireworks shows.

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