AccuWeather Alert: Dangerous heat through July 4th

AccuWeather forecast for NYC, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City is in the grip of a historic heat wave, with temperatures reaching the 100-degree mark in Central Park for the first time in years on Thursday. The city tied a record high set in 1966, and the intense heat is expected to remain firmly in place through Friday before gradually easing over the holiday weekend.

The peak of the heat wave will last through Friday, with feels-like temperatures ranging from 100 to 115 degrees. Friday carries a rare Level 4 of 4 Extreme Heat Risk, a designation reserved for long-duration heat waves that offer little or no overnight relief and can have significant impacts on public health and infrastructure. Extreme Heat Warnings remain in effect through Saturday.

Adding to the discomfort, air quality remains poor across the region. Relief will begin to arrive slowly during the second half of the weekend, with temperatures trending downward after Friday's peak heat.

July 4 will remain very hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s. However, forecasters are monitoring the potential for afternoon and evening thunderstorms. The primary window for storm activity in New York City appears to be between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., raising concerns about possible disruptions to holiday celebrations. Temperatures may fall from the 90s into the 80s by evening as showers move through the area.

The heat will also make for an unusually warm night. Overnight lows are forecast to remain near 84 degrees, which would tie the warmest overnight low ever recorded in New York City. Such conditions provide virtually no relief from the daytime heat and contribute to the overall severity of the heat wave.

Friday will once again be oppressive, with hazy sunshine and feels-like temperatures near 110 degrees. An isolated afternoon thunderstorm is possible. Along the coast, west-southwest winds of 5 to 15 mph and waves of 2 to 4 feet are expected, with a moderate rip current risk at area beaches. Air quality will remain unhealthy, while the UV index stays very high.

Another exceptionally warm night is forecast Friday night, with temperatures remaining near 80 degrees. If that occurs, it would mark three consecutive nights with lows of 80 degrees or higher, tying a record set just last year. A heavy thunderstorm is also possible Friday night.

Saturday will remain very hot, reaching about 96 degrees, with heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected, and some could become heavy. The first meaningful break from the heat will arrive Saturday night as temperatures finally fall below 80 degrees.

Sunday will feature increasing clouds along with more widespread showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High temperatures should remain in the middle to upper 80s, though humidity levels will stay elevated. The most unsettled day of the stretch appears to be Monday, with additional showers and thunderstorms likely. Lingering showers could continue into Tuesday, when temperatures may struggle to reach 80 degrees.

By the middle of next week, much more comfortable weather is expected to arrive, bringing a welcome end to a historic and dangerous stretch of heat across the New York City area.