It Won't Be Sunny Till 2022: Hudson Valley Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The forecast for the region is enough to bring on widespread Seasonal Affective Disorder: rainy and cloudy for the next five days, with a 20-degree drop in temperatures when it finally turns sunny.

Getting through to the light at the end of the winter tunnel can take a toll on our mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5 percent of adults suffer from SAD each year; it can last for 40 percent of the year but is most common in January and February; it is more common in the North; and it's diagnosed more often in women than men.

People who experience SAD often report noticing that while they were emotionally stable in the summer, their mood begins to decline in the fall, and they find they may experience a full recurrence of major depressive symptoms in the winter, such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, appetite changes, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in friends, family and social activities.

SAD is considered a serious emotional disorder, but there are ways to deal with it. Patch hasn't forgotten the tips we were given by Jane Amsden, LCSWR, a leader in Hudson Valley mental health counseling who's a program director for CoveCare Center.

1. One is to get more light! As the hours of daily sun wanes, our circadian rhythms and melatonin and serotonin levels are affected, all of which help regulate sleep. Poor sleep aggravates depression. Under a doctor's care, melatonin and antidepressants that target the brain chemical serotonin may help. Also, Vitamin D and sunshine work together, so check with a doctor about increasing your vitamin intake and getting some sun.
2. If spending more time outside is not an option, special lamps can be purchased that help to mimic the effects of outdoor light.
3. Also, being mindful of what you eat and avoiding alcohol are key to avoid adding stress and discomfort to an already painful situation.
4. And finally, while it may be difficult, reaching out and staying connected with friends and family will help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and sadness.

Here's the five-day forecast based on Mount Kisco from the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday - A 20 percent chance of light rain before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 42. Light east wind.
• Wednesday night - A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind.
• Thursday - A 40 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Light northeast wind.
• Thursday Night - A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind.
• Friday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Calm wind.
• Friday Night - A 50 percent chance of showers after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 38.
• New Year's Day - Showers. High near 56. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Saturday Night - A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 44.
• Sunday - A 50 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.
• Sunday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.
• Monday - Sunny, with a high near 31.