Heat advisory, air quality alert issued for Lower Hudson Valley. See when

A heat advisory is in effect for the Lower Hudson Valley from Monday to Tuesday, the second heat wave to hit the area this month.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the Lower Hudson Valley from noon Monday, July 15, to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 16. An air quality alert has also been issued from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday.

What does it mean when there is a heat advisory?

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."

How hot and humid will it be in the Lower Hudson Valley?

Temperatures are expected to reach 93 degrees Monday and 96 degrees Tuesday, but the heat index could range from 99 to 105 degrees. Heat indexes are predicted to be the most severe near Rockland and northern New Jersey.

An air quality alert has also been issued for the New York metro area until 11 p.m. Monday. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said ozone levels could exceed safe air quality index levels over 100.

"Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast," the Department of Environmental Conservation said. "Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available."

The state Department of Conservation said those at risk, including children, older people and those with respiratory conditions, should stay inside and limit physical activity. It also said residents should restrict vehicle travel and take public transportation or carpool when possible, as well as turn off lights when not in use and reduce excessive energy consumption.

Evening temperatures are predicted to be in the mid to high 70s Monday and Tuesday, with some rain possible through Thursday.

When will the heat and humidity break? When will we get thunderstorms?

The National Weather Service says there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Monday through Monday night. Tuesday brings another chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon into Wednesday morning.

Wednesday is expected to be 92 degrees and mostly sunny, with chances of scattered storms throughout the day, especially after 2 p.m. In the evening, another chance of thunderstorms could last until 8 a.m. Thursday morning, when the rain appears to clear up and temperatures should cool slightly for the rest of the week.

The New York metro area has been experiencing some serious summer heat this year, including an early heat wave in June and another earlier in July.

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.