Westchester, Rockland weather: Heat advisory, thunderstorm warning in effect Wednesday

The Lower Hudson Valley is anticipating a mix of thunderstorms and scorching summer heat Wednesday as the season comes to an end, causing concern for potentially dangerous weather conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Temperatures in the area are expected to reach around 93 degrees but the predicted heat index could make temperatures feel more like 100 degrees or higher in some areas, especially in Rockland.

The National Weather Service said a heat advisory is issued when the heat index, the combination of heat and humidity, is predicted to feel like "95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time."

Additionally, severe thunderstorms are expected after 2 p.m. Wednesday, and could bring the possibility of large hail and damaging wind over 50 miles per hour. A slight tornado risk is also possible.

Who is at risk for heat-related illnesses?

Older people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic health or mental health conditions are the most at risk for heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke , the National Weather Service says.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler says symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling dizzy, excessive sweating, clammy skin, muscle cramps and nausea. Additional symptoms of heat stroke include red, hot and dry skin and a body temperature of over 103 degrees.

Amler says the most important things to remember during a heat wave are to check parked cars for children and pets, and check on older friends, family and neighbors to make sure they're keeping cool and drinking plenty of water.

Labor Day weekend weather in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam

Luckily, weather conditions seem to lighten up for the remainder of the week, just in time for Labor Day weekend and end of summer celebrations. However, there's a chance that rain could still damper some early weekend plans.

Some slight showers could linger Thursday afternoon but the day appears to be mostly sunny with a high of 75 degrees. Temperatures will cool to around 61 degrees overnight. Friday also looks sunny and dry with a high of 75 degrees, but there's another chance of showers overnight into Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to rise to the high 80s Sunday and Monday for great conditions during the last official weekend of summer.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester, Rockland weather: Heat advisory, thunderstorm warning in effect Wednesday