Heat Alert: Hudson Valley swelters before midweek storms and major cooldown
Summer-like heat may challenge records through Wednesday before strong thunderstorms and a sharp cooldown arrive.
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WHAT TO KNOW
The region is in the middle of its first true stretch of summer-like heat as temperatures continue running 10 to 25 degrees above normal through Wednesday. Humidity levels will also gradually increase, although conditions are not expected to become overly tropical. Even so, the heat will be enough to get the air conditioners running and summer attire back out.
An air quality alert remains in effect through 11 p.m. Monday for the entire Hudson Valley due to elevated ozone levels. This type of air quality issue is common during prolonged stretches of hot weather when high pressure is overhead and winds remain light. Pollutants from vehicles, buildings and other sources become trapped near the surface, creating unhealthy conditions for those with respiratory issues or heart-health concerns. Residents are encouraged to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Temperatures may continue challenging record highs over the next couple of days. Tuesday’s forecast high in White Plains has the potential to tie the daily record high of 95 degrees set back in 1962. Temperatures in the 90s are expected again Wednesday ahead of an approaching cold front.
That cold front will bring the next chance for active weather Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to begin developing around 2 p.m., with the threat continuing through about 8 p.m. Some storms could become strong to severe across the region.
The Hudson Valley is under a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms, which is level 1 out of 5 on the Storm Prediction Center scale. The strongest storms could produce gusty winds, heavy downpours and small hail.
Once the front moves through Wednesday night, much cooler air will rush into the region. Some areas could experience a temperature drop of 30 to 40 degrees by Thursday morning compared to the peak heat earlier in the week.
The rest of the week will feature much cooler temperatures that are closer to late May averages. The upcoming Memorial Day weekend forecast is beginning to trend unsettled. Another system could bring rain chances beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday, along with cooler-than-normal temperatures.
Conditions are expected to improve heading into the following week as temperatures rebound closer to seasonal levels.
WHITE PLAINS
Sunday - 91 (1974) - Temperature recorded: 87
Monday - 87 (2017) - Forecast high: 87
Tuesday - 95 (1962) - Forecast high: 95
Wednesday - 95 (1996) - Forecast high: 92
