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Severe storms impacting July 4th fireworks, festivities on final day of extreme heat

An extreme heat warning is in effect through Saturday for much of the Tri-State area

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Last updated: Sunday, July 5, 2026 1:08AM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- Strong evening thunderstorms could wreak havoc on July 4th fireworks celebrations across the Tri-State area on the final day of a dangerous heat wave.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for portions New York City, the Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in effect for New York City, New Jersey and portions of the Hudson Valley. Any storm has the potential to produce damaging winds, downpours and even some hail.

The timing of the storms could coincide just as fireworks kick off across the region, including New York City, which could see storms move in during the 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. hour.

The Macy's Fourth July Fireworks start time was moved up from 9:25 p.m. 9:02 p.m. as a result of the incoming storms.

The silver lining is that the storms will finally break the four-day heat wave, as temperatures fall back into the 80s on Sunday with a chance for showers developing later in the day.

More widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday night into Monday, bringing the most significant relief from the oppressive heat and humidity.

Anyone heading outdoors for holiday festivities should stay hydrated, monitor air quality conditions, and keep an eye on the weather later Saturday as storms may become heavy and dangerous in some locations.

Stick with Eyewitness News for the latest forecast and weather alerts.

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Jun 29, 2026, 6:44 PM GMT

Westchester pools and beaches to stay open longer

Westchester County pools and beaches will stay open an extra hour later due to the heat wave.

Pools and beaches will be open from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on July 1 and 2 to help residents stay cool.

Beat the heat at Playland Pool and Beach in Rye, Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge Pool and The Brook Tibbetts in Yonkers and Willson's Wave Pool in Mt. Vernon.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: "The safety of our residents is of utmost importance and we want to provide as many options to stay cool during the upcoming heatwave. We hope residents and visitors will take advantage of our pools and beaches to keep cool, stay active and enjoy the outdoors safely."

Jun 29, 2026, 6:31 PM GMT

Tips to stay safe and beat the heat

Jun 29, 2026, 6:22 PM GMT

Jeff Smith says it will be a 'sweltering summer steam bath'

Jun 29, 2026, 6:22 PM GMT

New York State parks with extended swimming hours

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has extended hours at state swimming and cooling facilities and other state parks during the current heat wave to help New Yorkers beat the heat.

Hudson Valley

-High Tor State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
-Rockland Lake State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
-Lake Minnewaska State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
-Lake Awosting/Minnewaska State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
-Lake Welch/Harriman State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
-Lake Tiorati/Harriman State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Pool: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
-Fahnestock State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Long Island

-Jones Beach - Field 6, Central Mall, Field 2: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
-Jones Beach - West Bathhouse: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
-Robert Moses State Park - Fields 2, 3, and 5: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-Sunken Meadow State Park - Main Beach: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-Hither Hills State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-Wildwood State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

New York City

-Gantry Plaza State Park spraypad: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. indoor and outdoor pool) (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. senior swim) (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. recreational swim all ages) (3 p.m. to 7 p.m. recreational swim all ages); Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3

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