When will Lower Hudson Valley get a break from heat, humidity? The latest information

The National Weather Service has extended a heat advisory issued Monday for the Lower Hudson Valley until Wednesday evening at 9 p.m.

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."

Temperatures are expected to reach 94 degrees Tuesday and 92 degrees Wednesday, but the heat index could make the outdoors feel like close to 98 degrees. The National Weather Service said thunderstorms are also likely Tuesday evening through Thursday morning, which could cause damage to property with wind gusts as high as 20 miles per hour.

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

When will the heat and humidity break?

By Thursday, temperatures seem to cool down in the area after the expected thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The chance of showers should end by 11 a.m. Thursday, making way for a partly sunny day with a high of 84 degrees.

The rest of the weekend seems to be dry and clear. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high 80s through Monday with some clouds possibly rolling in for a bit of shade.

How close are we to record temperatures?

The hottest July on record in White Plains was in 1999, according to the National Weather Service. That month, the average temperature was 81.4 degrees. So far, July 2024's average temperature has been 80.7 degrees, which is just a few degrees off from breaking the record. The hottest July day in the area was on July 6, 2010 when it reached 102 degrees.

Related: Do you have heat exhaustion or heatstroke? How to know, what to do during this heat wave

What precautions should you take in heat advisory, air quality alerts?

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.

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.

The county health department said buildings without air conditioning can also be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Residents should seek out air-conditioned locations or other cool spaces during major heat events.

Additionally, a list of Cooling Center Finders is available on the New York State Department of Health website for those whose residences are too hot or those who find themselves outside without shelter.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: When will Lower Hudson Valley get a break from heat, humidity? The latest information