NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The heat and humidity returned to the Tri-State area this week, bringing with them a threat for potentially damaging thunderstorms before rain is expected to close out the week as Tropical Storm Elsa moves up the East Coast.
A heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Cooling centers are open in New York City.
Showers and thunderstorms with the potential for producing damaging winds, drenching downpours, small hail and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning are possible once again Wednesday.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the entire Tri-State area until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
"Yes, the thunderstorms have the same potential to be strong ones later this afternoon just maybe not as extensive as it was yesterday in area coverage," WCBS 880's Chief Meteorologist Craig Allen reported.
Fast-moving storms tore through New Jersey, New York City and Long Island on Tuesday afternoon, with gusty winds taking down trees and knocking out power to thousands across the Garden State.
Tuesday night's Mets game was also postponed due to the weather. The team is playing a split doubleheader against the Brewers in Citi Field on Wednesday.
Videos posted on social media also showed lighting bolts illuminating the skies over various parts of New York City.
It's possible that New Yorkers will see similar weather conditions on Wednesday night.
Thursday will start off hot and muggy with temperatures in the upper 80s.
Showers and thunderstorms could turn into tropical downpours as Elsa moves off the coast south and east of Long Island, bringing rain, gusty winds over 45 mph and coastal flooding for Thursday night and into Friday morning, especially along the coast.
"Depending upon track, we could see some gusty winds, along with downpours, regular rain downpours not just thunderstorms but kind of tropical downpours for Thursday night into the first part of Friday," Allen said.
The National Hurricane Center has coastal areas of New Jersey under a tropical storm watch.
Elsa made landfall Wednesday morning along the Gulf Coast of Florida as it continues to move north.
Friday afternoon would bring a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s.