AccuWeather Alert: Severe thunderstorm watch for parts of NY, NJ

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

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- We will be keeping a close eye on the radar through the evening, with a Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe weather in place across the area. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of New York and New Jersey.

The primary threats are damaging winds and heavy downpours, raising concerns about a repeat of the storm damage that affected parts of New Jersey last night.

At the same time, dangerous heat remains a concern. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for New Jersey, New York City and much of Long Island, while a Heat Advisory covers the Hudson Valley. Temperatures are expected to remain well into the 90s through the early evening, with heat index values ranging from 105 to 110 degrees.

Forecast models show the radar becoming increasingly active around sunset, especially across the Poconos, Catskills and portions of the Mid-Hudson Valley. One of the biggest questions is whether those storms will reach New York City in time to impact Fourth of July fireworks displays or remain just north of the city. The situation is expected to be a close call. By around 9:30 p.m., large thunderstorms may be positioned just north of the city before gradually spreading across New York City and Long Island later in the evening.

Relief from the heat arrives on Sunday as much cooler air moves into the region. High temperatures are expected to reach only the lower 80s, aided by easterly winds flowing in from the cooler waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While an afternoon shower or thunderstorm is possible, the greatest chance will be west of New York City.

The weather pattern turns more unsettled Sunday night as showers and thunderstorms redevelop across the area. While severe weather is not expected, forecasters are concerned about the potential for heavy rain. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are possible in some locations from late Sunday through Monday, which could lead to localized flooding despite ongoing drought conditions across much of the region. Wet weather may persist through Monday night and even into early Tuesday before conditions begin to improve.

The unsettled pattern lingers into Tuesday with clouds, humidity, and a chance of showers, while temperatures remain unusually cool in the mid-70s. After that, the weather improves. Wednesday will bring breaks of sunshine and temperatures around 82 degrees before readings climb back into the upper 80s later in the week. While temperatures will not approach the extreme heat experienced recently, humidity will increase, and another chance of thunderstorms may return by Friday into Saturday.