The tail-end of an oppressive heat wave in the New York City area will likely meet with scattered and potentially severe thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon and evening.
A heat advisory remains in effect for the region until 8 p.m. Saturday, with high temperatures and humidity expected to drive heat index values to about 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
But storms are anticipated for mid-Saturday afternoon, and some of them could bring forceful winds and downpours until late into the evening. Large hail and isolated tornadoes are less likely but remain possible.
“The primary threat with any of these thunderstorms is mainly going to be gusty winds, though an isolated area of hail and a brief tornado is not entirely ruled out,” said Matthew Wunsch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The forecast for the region anticipates up to a quarter-inch of rain on Saturday, though some areas may see higher volumes. The rains, however, are expected to be a prelude to significantly cooler temperatures on Sunday, which will also bring mostly sunny skies.
Sweltering temperatures in the city and its surrounding areas have mirrored conditions around the country in recent days, in some cases grounding flights and subjecting outdoor workers to dangerous conditions. Preliminary analyses are deeming this July as the hottest month on record for the planet since record-keeping began in 1850.
“If you're out today, just make sure you're staying cool,” Wunsch said Saturday, reminding people to watch for storms as the day progresses. “And then tomorrow looks like actually a pretty nice day.”
