--Friday, July 19 5 p.m.
The day will begin hot and humid with a cold front expected to move slowly southeast approaching the county late Saturday and moving out on Sunday.
Thunderstorms will approach in the afternoon and evening, some with winds possibly of 58 mph and hail of at least one inch in diameter. Storms could be severe with frequent intense lightning and heavy rain.
Sunday is forecast to be calmer with temperatures in the 80s and lower humidity.
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-- Friday, July 19 10 a.m.
Think it's been hot? Well, it's about to get hotter. Today promises to be the hottest day of the week hitting 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Find out what's happening in Nyack-Piermontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
An "excessive heat warning" and "air quality alert" are both in effect.
Heavy rain and thunderstorm are expected to cool off Saturday to about 93 degrees, while Sunday will dip down to 84 degrees.
Check out the forecast here and read below for tips on cooling centers, how to avoid heat related illness and avoid power outages.
-- Thursday, July 18 12:48 p.m.
Rockland County’s heat advisory continues into Thursday with temperatures hitting around 95 and 96 degrees. The humid weather is expected to last through Friday and cool down slightly on Saturday. Sunday will be partly sunny at 84 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
An Air Quality Healthy Advisory has also been issued for Thursday. See below for more information.
-- Wednesday, July 17
Air Quality Warning Issued
The Rockland County Health Department is warning residents about the air quality health advisory that has been issued for Wednesday.
The New York State Department of Health and Environmental Conservation issues the advisories when ozone or fine particulate matters levels exceed air quality standards to levels that may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
“Ozone levels are usually highest after noon and through early evening hours on hot, sunny days, and therefore this part of the day is the peak time for symptoms,” said Rockland County Commissioner of Health Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “Performing vigorous exercise outdoors such as running also makes a person more likely to experience symptoms from exposure to ozone,”
Young children, the elderly, and those with lung disease, heart disease or high blood pressure could be at higher risk. Symptoms of respiratory issues related due to high levels of air pollutants include shortness of breath; irritation of the eye, nose and throat; chest pain and wheezing.
“Even without such symptoms, people exposed to ozone may have changes in their lung function that can last for several days before returning to normal,” a Rockland County press release says. “Some people experience these effects as ‘feeling tired’ or ‘lacking energy.’”
Officials say residents should avoid strenuous physical activity while outdoors and that sensitive groups should avoid being outside all together. Those who have shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or coughing should seek medical attention immediately.
Click here to monitor air conditions.
-- United Water’s Gives Tips on Lawn Watering
The following is a press release from United Water:
During this heat wave United Water reminds customers that the ET lawn-watering program can help them use less water to grow a healthy, green lawn. The ET program--short for EvapoTranspiration--takes the guesswork out of lawn watering.
"We partner with weather experts who help determine when lawns in Rockland and Westchester counties needs watering," said Michael Pointing, vice president and general manager of the United Water New York Division. "They measure water loss from soil through evaporation and moisture loss from plants through transpiration. This information is used to calculate a daily "ET" number. That's how much water the average lawn needs based on the day's weather conditions."
"Lawn watering can account for up to 50 percent more water use in the summer time," said Pointing. "By following the ET program, a customer can still have a healthy lawn while saving water and money."
The ET program is an important part of the company's conservation efforts.
Customers can find out exactly how much to water their lawn by checking the daily ET number. It's available on www.unitedwater.com/ET<http://www.unitedwater.com/ET>.
-- Wednesday, July 17 - 12:40 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Click here for details. Temperatures are topping at 95 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday and are expected to hit 96 degrees on Friday.
Click on the links below for our previous steamy weather coverage:
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