AccuWeather Alert: Steamy, more active

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

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NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City is in the grip of a tropical and oppressive air mass, with dangerous heat and humidity expected to continue through Saturday.

Heat advisories are currently in effect through Friday, and with heat index values approaching 100 degrees, there is a possibility those advisories could be extended into Saturday.

Friday is expected to be another steamy day, with sunshine and clouds giving way to afternoon and evening thunderstorms. While storms were spotty and scattered on Thursday, they are expected to become more widespread Friday, and some could be strong to severe. Feel-like temperatures will range from the mid-90s to more than 100 degrees inland, with even coastal locations such as Belmar and Toms River potentially experiencing heat index values above 100 degrees.

The greatest threat for severe weather currently appears to be across the northern and western suburbs, though that risk could expand. Any storms that develop will be capable of producing drenching downpours due to the moisture-rich atmosphere, raising concerns for localized flash flooding. As a result, an AccuWeather Alert remains in effect for the intense heat and humidity through the next two days.

Conditions begin to improve over the weekend. Saturday will still feel extremely hot, with heat index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees. An isolated afternoon thunderstorm is possible, but storm coverage is expected to be much lower than on Friday.

By Sunday, humidity levels ease slightly, making conditions less oppressive despite a high temperature near 90 degrees. The chance for showers and thunderstorms has been removed from the forecast, providing favorable weather for the Dominican Day Parade.

While Sunday and Monday bring a modest reduction in humidity, more significant relief arrives during the middle and latter part of next week, when temperatures settle into the mid-80s and humidity levels become much more comfortable.