It’s been so hot that this morning’s 75 degree temperatures may seem chilly.
The heat wave sweltering the region is about to increase, forecasters say, with today’s forecast high of 94 degrees being the coolest of the days to come.
The National Weather Service has extended the ongoing Heat Advisory through Sunday evening. Tomorrow’s temperatures are expected to rise to 96 degrees while Sunday may reach 100 degrees. This does not factor in the heat index, which includes humidity and dew points, which may make the temperatures feel well into the 100s.
The heat wave has been ongoing since Tuesday. Data collected at the Vail’s Gate Tower shows high temperatures reached 92.2 degrees on Tuesday, 96.6 degrees on Wednesday, and 96.4 degrees on Thursday. Overnight lows remained well into the 70s all three days.
The National Weather Service issues Heat Advisories when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like 95 to 99 degrees for two consecutive days or more, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.
The heat wave is expected to break, although barely, as a cold front approaches the area on Monday. Current forecasts show high temperatures “only” reaching the upper 80s early next week.
All of the recent hot weather has also contributed to several rounds of severe thunderstorms across the region. Although Orange County has mostly been spared, storms have been battering portions of Ulster County and beyond, as well as the New York City area. A tornado was confirmed in Ulster County (story here) last week and a waterspout was confirmed over the Hudson River between Ulster and Dutchess Counties earlier this week (story here).
Senior citizens, those with chronic health problems, or those with mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Remember to check on vulnerable friends, family members, and neighbors.
