AccuWeather Alert: Still steamy, late storm

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

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The region is bracing for one more day of oppressive heat before a gradual shift arrives over the weekend, but not before a round of unsettled and potentially severe weather moves through.

A heat advisory remains in effect through Friday, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values making it feel closer to 100 degrees in many areas. The combination of high temperatures and lingering humidity will keep conditions uncomfortable, although there is some relief in sight as we head into the latter half of the weekend.

Alongside the heat, attention turns to the threat of storms. These will not be widespread at all times, but rather scattered and hit-or-miss in nature. Even so, some storms could pack a punch. There is a level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk in place for much of the area on Friday. That means the potential for gusty winds, heavy downpours, and even some hail, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Damaging winds are the primary concern as storms develop and move through.

Air quality is expected to be moderate, though there is a possibility it could worsen to unhealthy levels, and additional alerts may be issued. The pollen count remains medium to high, and the UV index is exceptionally high, reaching a level 10 as the summer solstice approaches.

By Friday night, storms may still be ongoing into the evening before skies begin to partially clear. Overnight lows dip to around 71 degrees, and a subtle but noticeable change begins as humidity levels start to decrease.

That change becomes more apparent on Saturday, which is shaping up to be one of the more pleasant days in the forecast. While temperatures will still be warm, climbing into the upper 80s, the lower humidity will make conditions far more comfortable. It should be an excellent day to spend time outdoors or at the beach, where water temperatures have been steadily rising thanks to the recent heat, now reaching the upper 60s along much of the coastline and around 70 degrees near New York Harbor.

Sunday brings another transition. While still warm, with highs near 88 degrees, humidity begins to creep back up. Skies will feature a mix of sun and clouds, and although most of the day is expected to stay dry, there is a chance for a late-day or evening thunderstorm as a frontal boundary approaches. Importantly, conditions are expected to cooperate for the Puerto Rican Day Parade, with dry weather anticipated during the main event. Beachgoers should remain mindful of moderate rip current risk, though overall conditions remain favorable for outdoor plans earlier in the day.

Looking ahead to early next week, temperatures trend slightly lower, hovering around the low to mid-80s with a mix of sun and clouds. Monday appears relatively dry, and Tuesday is expected to be mostly comfortable as well, though attention turns to another potential frontal system that may bring showers sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday. The exact timing of that system remains uncertain, but it could introduce another round of unsettled weather before conditions stabilize again later in the week.