AccuWeather Alert: Very hot and humid

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

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The first day of what is expected to be a five-day extreme heat wave begins Wednesday, with "feels like" temperatures climbing near 110 degrees, particularly on Thursday and Friday.

All existing heat watches have now been upgraded to extreme heat warnings in effect from Wednesday through Saturday, while the heat wave itself is expected to continue into Sunday, although the severity may ease slightly by then. Poor air quality will accompany the heat, with alerts remaining in place through much of the week.

There is also a developing storm component to the forecast. There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds on Wednesday afternoon and evening. The highest likelihood for severe weather is across northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut, though isolated storms could extend into New York City, central New Jersey, and Long Island.

The overall heat wave outlook shows little change, including the potential for back-to-back 100-degree days on Thursday and Friday. If realized, this would mark the first time since 2011 that the area experiences consecutive days at that level. Looking ahead to the July Fourth holiday, temperatures are forecast to reach 96 degrees, with conditions still feeling above 100 degrees. Thunderstorm chances are expected to return by Friday and persist into the weekend, meaning there is a risk of storms on Independence Day itself.

An early outlook for July Fourth indicates temperatures near 93 degrees at noon and climbing to around 96 degrees by mid-afternoon. A few thunderstorms could develop and temporarily bring readings down into the 80s closer to fireworks time, creating an atmosphere that may feel like a "steam bath." If storms fail to materialize, temperatures could remain closer to 90 degrees into the evening hours.

The heat index will be particularly dangerous. On Wednesday, "feels like" temperatures will exceed 100 degrees and could surpass 105 degrees in parts of interior New Jersey. By Thursday, those values climb even higher across the region with very few areas of relief, except possibly along the immediate coastline or eastern Long Island. Friday continues the trend, with heat index values ranging from 105 to 110 degrees.

Residents are urged to stay hydrated, seek air conditioning, limit exposure to midday sun, exercise during cooler parts of the day, and check on neighbors and pets