Scorching, Maybe Record-Breaking: Peekskill's Weekend Weather

CORTLANDT, NY — A dangerous heat wave has hit the Hudson Valley that is forecast to be at its peak this weekend into the July 4th holiday. The National Weather Service has already issued a heat advisory for Saturday, and Sunday is expected to be hotter and more humid.

"Potentially widespread high temperatures between 98° and 103°!? This would be incredible if it were to come true," said Hudson Valley Weather, looking at the forecast models. "For this reason, we remain skeptical of what would be widespread record high temperatures. However, with extreme heat like this… we can’t rule it out."

Because it's going to be so humid, the heat index will soar — up to 115.

"These are DANGEROUS conditions, ladies and gentlemen," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter at HVW. "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in quickly, due to the high toll these conditions take on the human body."

Department of Health research shows that emergency department visits and hospital admissions from heat increase significantly on days when the heat index reaches 95 degrees or higher. The risk of heat stress, dehydration, renal illness, cardiovascular illness, and death increases for up to four days after a heat wave.

The Red Cross says:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
• Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo issued a warning to New Yorkers and visitors to the state.

"With a stretch of extreme heat and humidity ahead of us, I urge residents and visitors to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe," he said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of state cooling stations, pools and waterbodies across the Empire State and to be mindful of air quality and other health risk factors to ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend."

Find more resources and safety tips here.

Here's the NWS forecast for northern Westchester:

• This Afternoon-Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Northwest winds around 10 mph.
• Tonight-Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
• Saturday-Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. Northwest winds around 5 mph, becoming southwest in the afternoon.
• Saturday Night-Clear. Lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday-Sunny, hot with highs in the mid 90s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Heat index values up to 103 in the afternoon.
• Sunday Night-Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s.
• Monday-Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. Heat index values in the upper 90s.
• Monday Night-Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 60s.
• Tuesday-Mostly sunny. Highs around 90. Heat index values in the upper 90s in the afternoon.
• Tuesday Night-Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s.
• Independence Day-Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Heat index values in the mid 90s in the afternoon.
• Wednesday Night-Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

SEE: Heat Advisory Issued For The Hudson Valley

Image via AccuWeather.com