AccuWeather Alert: Peak heat, late thunderstorm

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

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Temperatures will be surging into the low to mid-90s on Saturday. It will feel even warmer as humidity begins to creep up, not quite oppressive, but noticeably stickier than earlier in the week.

As the day goes on, attention turns to the potential for severe weather. A round of thunderstorms is expected to develop during the afternoon north and west of the city before sliding toward the coast into the evening. The threat level has been elevated across much of the region, including New York City, the Hudson Valley, western Long Island, parts of Connecticut, and nearby areas of New Jersey. While much of the daytime remains dry and very warm, storms later in the day could bring gusty winds, brief heavy downpours, and even a bit of hail in isolated spots.

By Saturday night, any storms gradually weaken, though an early evening storm could still be strong before conditions begin to settle later on. Overnight lows stay mild, dropping only into the low 70s under partly clearing skies.

Conditions improve heading into Sunday as a cold front moves through. Temperatures ease back slightly, with highs in the upper 80s, and the humidity begins to drop through the afternoon. A stray shower or storm can't be ruled out, but the overall risk is much lower, and the second half of the day trends more comfortable.

If you're spending time outdoors this weekend, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind. Air quality may be somewhat compromised, and pollen levels remain in the medium to high range, with grasses and oak among the primary allergens. The sun will be strong as well, with a very high UV index, so sun protection is important. Along the coast, a high risk of rip currents means swimmers should exercise caution and follow guidance from lifeguards, especially with somewhat choppy ocean conditions.

Looking beyond the weekend, Monday brings a noticeable drop in humidity with more comfortable conditions returning. Tuesday stays warm and pleasant, but by the middle of the week, heat and humidity begin to build once again. That muggier pattern continues toward the end of the week, along with increasing chances for afternoon and evening thunderstorms.