An extreme heat watch has been issued for much of Upstate New York as dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected to build across the region ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat watches for much of Central, Eastern and parts of Southern New York from Wednesday morning through Friday evening. Some areas also will be under a heat advisory Tuesday as the hot weather begins to build.
Forecasters warn heat index values — what the temperature feels like when humidity is factored in — could reach as high as 105 to 110 degrees in some locations.
Heat advisory Tuesday, extreme heat watch Wednesday through Friday
The National Weather Service in Binghamton issued a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday for portions of Central New York, where heat index values are expected to reach up to 97 degrees.
Those same areas, along with a much larger portion of Upstate New York, are under an extreme heat watch from Wednesday morning through Friday evening, when heat index values could climb as high as 105 degrees.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Albany issued an extreme heat watch for much of the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, eastern Catskills and Upper Hudson Valley, where heat index values could reach 110 degrees.
Forecasters said overnight temperatures will remain in the 70s Wednesday and Thursday nights, providing little relief from the heat.
Counties under the heat alerts
Heat advisory Tuesday (noon to 8 p.m.)
Extreme heat watch Wednesday through Friday
The watch includes many counties across Central, Eastern and Southern New York, including:
What is an extreme heat watch?
An extreme heat watch is issued when dangerously hot conditions are possible, typically within the next 24 to 72 hours.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers and people with chronic health conditions.
How to stay safe during extreme heat
The National Weather Service recommends:
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Extreme heat watch issued for much of NY ahead of July 4; heat index up to 110
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
