The Hudson Valley has had an unusually cool start to August, with low temperatures dipping to 50 degrees — about 10 degrees below average for the time of year.
It’s been a similar story across most central and eastern states: more than 240 million people experienced a cooler than average first week of August.
The increased prevalence of wildfire smoke — blocking incoming sunshine — probably caused high temperatures to be slightly lower than normal this past week in many states, including New York.
But now, the Hudson Valley’s air is generally smoke-free and temperatures will rise under sunny skies, with a possible heat wave from Monday to Wednesday.
The week ahead
Temperatures will reach 90 degrees several times this week, with a possible heat wave from Monday to Wednesday — marked by three consecutive days at or above the 90-degree threshold. Humidity will also be high on Wednesday and Thursday, when there will be a chance for some showers and storms.
Surging heat is likely again next weekend.
The East Coast will also need to keep a close eye on the track of a hurricane, the first of the season, that’s likely to form in the central Atlantic Ocean later this week.
Monday
Sunny and hot
Tuesday
Like Monday, but a few degrees warmer
Wednesday
Very hot and humid with a chance for a late-day or overnight shower or t-storm
Thursday
Remaining very warm and humid with a shower or storm chance
Friday
A slight reduction in humidity possible, plenty of sun
Saturday-Sunday
Turning hot again with sunshine
Looking ahead to the week of Aug. 18, conditions will probably start hot, potentially followed by a cool down.
If you’re wondering how hurricane season is looking, here’s my latest in the Washington Post.
Stay cool this week! ✌️
I’m ready for winter!!!!!