Strong Thunderstorms, Then Cooler: Hudson Valley Holiday Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The long July 4th weekend will start off Saturday with unsettled weather building to afternoon and evening thunderstorms that could be severe.

The National Weather Service has updated its hazardous outlook for the Hudson Valley and much of central and downstate New York, saying some of the storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rain and hail, which could result in downed wires and electric service interruptions.

Remember to stay away from any wires that are downed during storms.

By Sunday morning, the front will have moved out, leaving cooler temperatures behind.

"The weather will steadily improve for the bulk of the region as the long weekend progresses," said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

Here is a look at the next 48 hours and the daily forecast for the long weekend, from the National Weather Service.

• Friday Afternoon - Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
• Friday night - A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
• Saturday - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 86. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday Night - Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 66. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Sunday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
• Sunday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
• Independence Day - Sunny, with a high near 85.
• Monday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
• Tuesday - A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.