AccuWeather Alert: Steamy with a storm

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

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NEW YORK (WABC) -- As a surge of humidity settles into the region, New York City is heading into a steamy stretch of weather that will bring dangerous heat, oppressive humidity and the threat of afternoon thunderstorms through the end of the week.

Meteorologist Lee Goldberg says heat and humidity levels will peak Thursday and Friday, prompting a heat advisory for New York City and the Tri-State area as feels-like temperatures approach 100 degrees. The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity could increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, making hydration and limiting strenuous activity especially important.

Thursday will bring a mix of sunshine and clouds with a high near 90 degrees, but humidity will make it feel closer to 100. By noon, conditions could already feel as hot as the low 90s, with peak heat arriving during the afternoon. Even hotter conditions are expected across interior sections of New Jersey. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected to develop, with the strongest and most numerous storms likely north and west of Interstate 87. Some storms could produce heavy downpours and gusty winds.

The same pattern is expected to continue Friday, with high humidity maintaining dangerous heat index values. While storm chances the next couple of days will generally be focused north and west of the city, Friday could see more widespread thunderstorm development, placing the city and portions of the coastline at greater risk for gusty storms. Humidity levels are expected to remain elevated through early next week, although the highest readings will likely occur Thursday and Friday.

Beachgoers can expect generally favorable conditions Thursday, with the lowest storm threat along the coastline. Southwest winds will range from 5 to 15 mph, with waves running 2 to 3 feet. The rip current risk will be moderate. Air quality is expected to remain moderate, pollen levels will be medium to high, and the UV index will reach a very high level thanks to increased sunshine compared with Wednesday.

Thursday night may feature a drenching thunderstorm before skies partially clear. Temperatures will settle into the mid-70s with continued humid conditions and light southwest winds.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the steamy weather pattern remains in place. Temperatures will stay near 90 degrees with an isolated chance of an afternoon thunderstorm on Saturday. Sunday appears to offer a lower risk of rainfall, which is welcome news for attendees of the Dominican Day Parade, although hot and humid conditions will persist.

Monday remains warm and muggy, with another chance for an afternoon storm.

A front is expected to approach Tuesday, bringing a greater likelihood of showers and thunderstorms. Conditions should become somewhat less extreme by next Wednesday as the region begins to ease out of this prolonged stretch of heat and humidity.