Temperatures expected in the high 90s Thursday could match record-setting temperatures for the day.
A heat advisory has been issued from The National Weather Service from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday throughout the region, including in Schenectady, Montgomery Saratoga and Fulton counties.
“We are are looking at highs tomorrow, probably reaching the mid-to-upper 90s,” meteorologist Brett Rathbun of the National Weather Service in Albany said.
Thursday’s expected temperatures are considerably higher than the average temperatures for this time of year, Rathbun said.
The National Weather Service expects the high Thursday to be 89 in Fulton County, 94 in Schenectady County, and 96 in Saratoga and Montgomery counties.
Thursday will be the hottest day this week, Rathbun said. He explained a system will be coming in from the west late Thursday bringing a chance for a few showers and thunderstorms.
“As that system slowly pushes eastward late Thursday and into Friday we’re certainly going to see a few additional clouds around,” Rathbun said. “Then still, there’s the chance for a few showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. So that is actually going to see our temperatures a little Friday.”
Heat index values are a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature according to The National Weather Service. The heat advisory issued for the region expects the heat index to be in the high 90s and lower 100s Thursday.
“The normal high temperature we see this time of year is in the mid-80s,” Rathbun said. “So we’re looking at values close to 10-to-15 degrees above normal. Quit a bit on the higher side.”
The last time the climate site at the Albany International Airport recorded a temperature of 100 degrees this time of year was almost 70 years ago in 1953, Rathbun said.
“Its certainly possible, maybe a few localized locations may get to 100 degrees,” Rathbun said “But certainty quite a few will get very close to that.”
The current record high for Aug. 4 in the Albany area of 98 degrees was set in 1955, Rathbun said. He explained right now they are forecasting to likely tie the current record and fall just short of the all-time record.
People should try and keep cool and hydrated Thursday Rathbun said. He explained everyone should try to avoid strenuous outdoor activity Thursday, especially at the hottest time of the day during the afternoon. To help stay cool should wear cooler clothing to help keep their body temperature down, and drink plenty of water. Rathbun said hot temperatures can make the temperature inside vehicles even hotter, Rathbun said people and animals should not be left inside vehicles.
Heat-related illnesses can occur when a person’s body is unable to cool itself. According to the New York State Department of Health, the most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash.
Heat stroke is considered an emergency and the state department of health advises you to call 911 immediately if you think someone is experiencing heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke can include; a high body temperature of 105 or more, hot dry and red skin, a rapid pulse, loss of alertness, confusion, unconsciousness, or rapid and shallow breathing.
Anyone can be susceptible to a heat-related illness. According to the department of health some people are considered more at risk to the heat such as, older adults, young children, people who are considered overweight or obese, people with some chronic medical conditions such as a history of dehydration, heart problems, respiratory or lung problems, people who work outside or in hot settings.
Rathbun recommended people find air conditioning if it is possible for them Thursday to help keep cool.
Throughout the region a number of cooling stations are open to the public Thursday.:
SCHENECTADY COUNTY
- Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library 99 Clinton St., Schenectady 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Bornt Branch Library 948 State St., Schenectady 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Glenville Branch Library 20 Glenridge Road, Schenectady 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mont Pleasant Branch Library 1036 Crane St., Schenectady 12-7 p.m.
- Niskayuna Branch Library 2400 Nott St. E., Niskayuna 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Quaker St. Branch Library 133 Bull St., Delanson 12-7 p.m.
- Rotterdam Branch Library 1100 N. Westcott Road, Schenectady 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Scotia Branch Library 14 Mohawk Ave., Scotia 12-7 p.m.
- Woodlawn Branch Library 2 Sanford St., Schenectady 2-7 p.m.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
- Horace Inman Center, 53 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Town of Glen Town Office Building, 7 Erie St. Fultonville, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Fort Plain Senior Center, 204 Canal St., Fort Plain, 8 a.m. to noon
- St. Johnsville Community Center and Village Hall, 16 Washington Str., St. Johnsville,
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FULTON COUNTY
- Gloversville Public Library 58 East Fulton St., Gloversville, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Johnstown Public Library 38 S. Market St., Johnstown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shirly L. Luck Senior Center, 108 E. Main St., Johnstown, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SARATOGA COUNTY
- Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St. Saratoga Springs, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Categories: -News-, Fulton Montgomery Schoharie, Saratoga County, Schenectady County
