There won't be any avoiding summer heat and humidity across the Buffalo-Niagara region Thursday, with a Heat Advisory posted for the northern portions of the region in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties.
The heat index will rise to the mid to upper 90's within the advisory area and it will be hot and humid, in general, across the Western New York region.
"We do have another hot day today," National Weather Service meteorologist Liz Jurkowski tells WBEN. "It won't be as bad across Erie County, but for the people across Niagara County, they'll see temperatures in the low 90s, with heat index values in the mid 90's."
Heat index values will top out in the low 90's in the Buffalo area and in the upper 80's to low 90's across the higher terrain south of the Buffalo metro area.
It's all relatively short-lived. It will still be warm, but not nearly as hot, Friday, with high temps in the low/mid 80's in most areas.
"The heat will be just for today," Jurkowski notes. "We'll be cooling off a bit for tomorrow and then back with a little bit of warmth for the weekend."
Late Thursday through Friday, a cold front will drop southeast across the region supporting showers and thunderstorms, where some of the stronger storms may yield heavy rainfall Friday. The chance for showers and thunderstorms then continues throughout the weekend, with the best chance being Saturday night into Sunday morning. The weekend, however, won`t be a complete wash out with some dry time.
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING
* WHAT...Heat index values in the mid to upper 90s.
* WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Genesee, Livingston, and Ontario Counties.
* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat related illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.