‘Extreme’ heat wave brewing for Fourth of July weekend. Here are the details.

A dangerous combination of heat and humidity could mar the coming Fourth of July holiday weekend as a heat dome

takes shape over the northeastern United States. 

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The scorching stretch “includes the July 4th holiday period

where there are many outdoor events scheduled,” according to an agency forecast. “It is important to avoid unnecessary strenuous outdoor activities, drink water even if you are not thirsty and have a way to stay cool.” 

Temperatures appear likely to reach the lower 90s “for multiple days,” the agency said Thursday. With the addition of high humidity, the heat could feel closer to the “mid- to upper-90s, if not the lower 100s,” officials said. 

The weather service’s Albany office was closely watching the movements of a high-pressure system

that was expected to deliver clear skies, strong daytime heat and “mugginess” for the holiday weekend, meteorologist Rosemary Webb said. 

But there is a chance of some relief, Webb said, adding that the system comes with a chance of rain that could make the heat wave more bearable. 

This year will almost certainly surpass those readings. But meteorologists won’t have a confident prediction for the magnitude of the heat until next week, said Abbey Gant, a NWS meteorologist based in Albany. She urged people with heat sensitivities to begin taking precautions ahead of the holiday weekend.