AccuWeather Alert: Steamy, PM storm

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

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

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NEW YORK (WABC) -- The heat will remain intense on Saturday, with a heat advisory continuing through the day. Afternoon temperatures will climb to near 90 degrees, but high humidity levels will push heat index values into the mid-90s to around 100 degrees.

The most extreme heat index readings are expected across interior New Jersey and portions of Monmouth and Ocean counties. Sunshine and clouds will mix with a few widely scattered afternoon thunderstorms as southwest winds increase to 5 to 15 mph.

For those heading to the beaches or waterways, waves are expected to run 2 to 3 feet, with water temperatures in the 70s. The rip current risk is moderate, while air quality is also expected to remain at moderate levels. Pollen counts are in the medium range, and the UV index will be a very high 8.

The weather pattern begins to improve on Sunday as humidity levels slowly decline. Temperatures will still reach around 90 degrees, but lower dew points in the low to mid-60s during the afternoon will make conditions feel less oppressive. Storm chances are minimal, and many locations may remain completely dry. While the heat persists, the reduced humidity should make the Dominican Day Parade and other outdoor activities more comfortable compared with Saturday.

Looking ahead to Monday, there may be some haze from upper-level wildfire smoke, but storm chances appear very limited, with only a very isolated possibility of a shower.

A better opportunity for showers and thunderstorms arrives Tuesday, ushering in a more typical August pattern. The increased activity should help lower humidity levels and bring temperatures back to more seasonable readings in the mid-80s during the second half of next week.

While a weak system could trigger another chance of thunderstorms on Thursday, conditions are expected to become less humid by Friday, offering a return to more comfortable summer weather.