New York, NY – A hot and stormy Sunday is expected across the New York metro area, with forecasters warning of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms and heat indices reaching well into the 90s.
According to the US National Weather Service New York office, showers and a few thunderstorms may begin early Sunday morning, but the primary threat window for severe weather is between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the region under a Level 2 risk, indicating the potential for isolated to scattered severe storms with damaging wind gusts as the main threat. Secondary risks include lightning, heavy rainfall, and localized hail.
The storms are forecast to develop in the afternoon and early evening, with a 50 to 60 percent chance of thunderstorm activity. Meteorologists note that a few of these storms could become severe, especially as heat and humidity build across the region.
Alongside the storm risk, the heat index—how hot it feels when humidity is factored in—is expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s, with some areas feeling as hot as 98 degrees. Locations including White Plains, NYC, Newark, and Bridgeport are forecast to experience some of the most intense heat conditions during the afternoon.
Officials urge residents to stay weather aware, especially if they have outdoor plans Sunday afternoon or evening. The National Weather Service advises the public to monitor updates, prepare to take shelter when storms approach, and have multiple methods for receiving alerts.
The severe weather threat is expected to taper off by late evening as storms push south and east.
