New York City is currently in the midst of a scorching heat wave, with hazy and sticky conditions making it feel like 100 degrees. The heat advisory that has been in effect since mid-week has finally come to an end, but not without making way for heavy thunderstorms to roll in. Flood watches are now in effect for the five boroughs until midnight, and meteorologists are warning of flash flood threats and damaging winds of up to 70 mph, just short of hurricane strength. There is even a possibility of quarter-sized hail.
While the region will get a slight break from the heat on Sunday, the storms are expected to continue later in the day. Fox Weather meteorologist Jordan Overton cautions that it won’t be much of a relief from the heat, as temperatures will only drop by about 5 degrees. Monday is predicted to be mostly dry but dangerously hot, with temperatures reaching at least 91 degrees, and the “real feel” soaring to 99 or 100 degrees. This poses a significant risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
Mayor Adams has implemented the city’s heat emergency plan, which will be in place through Monday. Cooling centers have been opened to provide relief from the scorching heat. Additionally, the entire city is under air quality alerts due to the oppressive conditions. Rip current warnings are also in effect for Brooklyn and southern Queens.
Looking ahead, the northeast may experience the remnants of a tropical depression moving toward Florida, which is anticipated to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday. AccuWeather predicts that rainfall totals along the Southeast U.S. coast could exceed 12 to 18 inches next week. The storm, currently coming from Cuba through the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to track northeastward and then slow down along the Southeast coast early next week.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Scott Homan suggests that depending on the storm’s track, some of its moisture may move along the coast. This could potentially impact the northeast. The storm, which will be named Tropical Storm Debby, is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall across Florida and into Georgia, coastal South Carolina, and eventually North Carolina. The Florida peninsula is also at risk for tornadoes through Sunday night.
Experts predict that the storm will bring storm surges of 2-4 feet, wind gusts of 74 to 95 mph, and 5 to 10 inches of rain to the Big Bend region of Florida. As a result, the state has declared a state of emergency. There is also the possibility of tornadoes, and flash flood risks are likely on Monday from Jacksonville, Florida, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In summary, while New York City experiences a brief respite from the heat, heavy thunderstorms and the risk of flash floods continue to pose a threat. The northeast may also be impacted by the remnants of a tropical depression, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and other severe weather conditions. It is important for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during these extreme weather events.
