Monday to bring heat and severe threat: In almost a "warning shot" type fashion, foreshadowing the end of the week, the rest of this Monday afternoon will feature heat with temperatures in the low to mid 90's. In addition, an upper level disturbance over the Great Lakes will slide southeast, acting as a trigger for showers and thunderstorms, some of which may be strong to severe. The Storm Prediction Center has placed our area in a Slight Risk for severe weather, with the main threat being the potential for widespread damaging winds. Stay tuned to our Twitter and Facebook accounts for the latest on watches, warnings, advisories, and outlook updates. The severe threat may continue into the overnight hours. Featured image: Storm Prediction Center Day 1 Outlook showing our area in a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms. 

Big time heat to close out the week: As the week draws on, the threat of showers and storms will become a distant memory and the building heat will become the main story. A large ridge over the Central US will build eastward, bringing the heat with it. Heat Index's reached 125 degrees the past few days over the Central US, and are expected to rise well over 100 degrees in our area by the tail end of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday look hot, with temperatures in the low to mid 90's. But Thursday, Friday, and potentially Saturday will be on a whole other level--with temperatures likely nearing or exceeding 100 degrees. With dew points rather high for those temperatures, heat index values should rise over 105 degrees easily--exceeding the criteria for excessive/dangerous heat. Featured image: 12z NAM model showing temperatures near 100 degrees on Thursday. 

Stay with us during the week for updates on the upcoming heat event and make sure to prepare to stay cool. Heat can be a dangerous killer if you do not stay hydrated and adequately prepared.

Article written July 18th, 2011 at 12:19pm. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the remainder of the week into the weekend, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.