Hudson Valley Forecast: When Weekend Temps Will Soar

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory to start at noon Saturday, but temperatures and humidity will begin rising well before that.

Temperatures will stay steady in the low 60s overnight, but will rise 10 degrees by 9 a.m. and another 20 degrees by noon Saturday, and even higher in the afternoon. Overnight will bring only a little relief: temps will start dropping out of the 90s after 6 p.m. but only into the mid 70s. As the sun comes up Sunday, the mercury will soar again — it'll be 80 degrees by 9 a.m.

Thunderstorms are predicted ahead of a cool front that should break the heat late Sunday afternoon.

Heat Indices into the upper 90s are likely Saturday and Sunday between 1 and 6 pm for much of the Lower Hudson Valley and possible for coastal Westchester, though it is expected to be slightly cooler along the Long Island Sound.

Some record highs could be broken, AccuWeather meteorologists said.

An air quality health advisory has been issued for the lower Hudson Valley, as ozone levels will be higher than normal for this time of year. These pollutants arise from sources such as cars, trucks and power plants, with fine particle levels also enhanced by forest fires and residential burning.

People who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat and poor air quality include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions.

In weather like this, heat stroke is a possibility. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

Another concern is heat exhaustion. Seniors, young children, people who are overweight or who have high blood pressure, people who work outside or in other hot environments are most at risk. Frequent breaks and drinking lots of water can help prevent heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.

“Seniors, young children and people with compromised immunity especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day,” Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said. “Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink, so parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate.”

Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road. Always travel with a spare battery, and avoid leaving radios, phone chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not.

Check to make sure your air conditioning is properly functioning and coolant is at the proper level. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade.

Residents who need a place to cool off can go to an indoor mall. Senior centers, libraries and community centers often serve as cooling centers, but call before you go.

But you need to be cautious not only about hot temps but cold water. With water temperatures still in the 50s, the Westchester County Health Department is cautioning residents about cold water safety and the risk of hypothermia.

“Ocean temperatures remain cold, so when a person is fully submerged, hypothermia can happen in as little as 10 minutes, greatly increasing the risk of drowning," Amler said.

Here's the National Weather Service forecast for the weekend, based on Rockland County:

• Friday night - Mostly cloudy. Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Patchy fog after midnight. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds, small hail, and heavy rainfall in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph in the evening. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Saturday - Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Patchy fog in the morning. Much warmer with highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Heat index values in the upper 90s in the afternoon.
• Saturday Night - Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows around 70. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday - Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 30 percent. Heat index values in the mid 90s.
• Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
• Monday - Partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy. Cooler with highs in the mid 70s.