Hudson Valley heat could set records as hot, humid weather roasts area Saturday, Sunday

We're a month away from the official start of summer, but it certainly will feel like the sweaty season is here this weekend when record-breaking heat is expected to toast the Hudson Valley.

Historically-high temperatures could create sweltering conditions through the weekend, with temperatures topping 90 degrees, before cooler weather returns on Monday.

White Plains is projected to peak at 94 on Sunday, which would break the city's records for that date 88 set in 1992, according to AccuWeather.

Poughkeepsie is predicted to hit 94 on Sunday which would break the 1996 record of 91, according to AccuWeather.

Middletown is expected to see a high of 93, more than 20 degrees above normal for this time of year.

"There’s a warm front which is pushing up through the region today and leading to the thunderstorms that we’re going to see around the area this afternoon into the first part of tonight," Paul Walker, a meteorologist for AccuWeather, said Friday morning. "Then tomorrow is going to be a noticeably…hotter day. Looks like it’s generally a rain-free day but it will be more humid behind this warm front."

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"The first widespread hot spell of the season is expected this weekend, with heat indices well into the 90s away from the coast," the National Weather Service said. "This will increase the risk of heat-related illness for vulnerable populations."

The two-day spike in hot weather is typical for this time of year, he said.

"You often see that this time of year," Walker said. "It’s very unusual for the heat to come in and stay for a long period time in the Northeast this time of year. We usually get these little breaks."

A cold front will come through the area Sunday night, with a return to normalcy, even a bit cooler than typical May weather. Monday should be in the mid-70s, followed by highs around 70 on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the weather service.

Matt Spillane covers breaking news throughout the Hudson Valley. Click here for his latest stories. Follow him on Twitter @MattSpillane. Check out our latest subscription offers here.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Hudson Valley weather could break records for heat in NY