WEATHER: Cooler temps are on the horizon for NYC after 2 heat waves—but so are severe storms

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – After two consecutive heat waves this month, cooler conditions are on the horizon for the New York City area, but so is the threat of severe storms, including a potential tornado.

A Bermuda high camped offshore has pumped heat and humidity into the city for days. The high pressure system will weaken just enough to allow a cold front in from the west, while also ushering in the stormy weather.

Wednesday will be the last day of the latest heat wave, which began Sunday and is the third heat wave so far this summer, following one last week and another in late June. The high has reached 90 or above on eight days so far in July.

The high is forecasted to be 92 degrees in Central Park on Wednesday, but high humidity will push RealFeels near 100 yet again. A Heat Advisory is in effect for the five boroughs and surrounding suburbs until Wednesday night. Parts of New Jersey are under an Excessive Heat Warning during that time.

It will otherwise be partly cloudy Wednesday, with heavy thunderstorms around in the late afternoon and evening, just in time for the evening rush.

The storms could produce flooding downpours, damaging winds and hail, according to AccuWeather, which said an isolated tornado can't be ruled out.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide state of emergency due to severe weather. mostly upstate, where more than 170,000 customers were without power late Tuesday. The governor said areas in central New York and the Mohawk Valley have “incurred severe damage due to high winds and storms,” including Rome, where a tornado touched down .

“With possible tornado touchdowns across the state, we are standing ready to assist localities however necessary as severe weather continues to move across the state,” Hochul said in a statement from her office Tuesday night. “New Yorkers should be sure to monitor their local forecasts and prepare for hazardous travel and other impacts from these storms.”

Storms may linger overnight into Thursday morning before the clouds break for some sun. Thursday’s high will only be 86, and it should feel much more comfortable as the humidity goes down.

It will be nice to end the week—the high on Friday and Saturday will be about 85, with low humidity and partly sunny skies.

Highs will stick to the 80s on a partly sunny Sunday, and they should stay in the 80s to start next week.