Severe thunderstorms possible as Upstate NY heat wave enters fourth day

Syracuse, N.Y. -- Potentially damaging thunderstorms are possible across Upstate New York today as this week’s heat wave enters its fourth day.

There’s a 15% chance of storms strong enough to cause damage today, the National Weather Service said. There’s also a chance of hail and isolated flash flooding where strong storms strike.

“A few storms may produce heavy downpours, hail and strong damaging winds,” the weather service said.

The heat advisory that went into effect Monday continues through 8 p.m. today. Temperatures could once again reach into the 90s, and the combination of heat and humidity could make it feel hotter than 100 degrees this afternoon, according to the weather service.

The air temperature in Syracuse reached 95 degrees on Wednesday, tying the June 19 record set in 1995. Temperatures hit 94 degrees Monday and Tuesday, with Monday’s high breaking the June 17 record.

This is the earliest stretch of weather that hot since weather service records began in 1903. While today is the summer solstice, when the sun’s energy is at its peak, late July is generally hotter in Upstate New York as the ground begins to release heat it has stored earlier in the summer.

Nighttime temperatures have also been the hottest ever recorded. Tuesday’s nighttime low of 72 degrees was the highest ever recorded on June 18, and Wednesday’s low of 77 degrees was also a daily record.

While the worst of the heat will end today, there’s little relief on the horizon. Temperatures Friday through Sunday are expected to stay in the high 80s. Monday will feel cooler, relatively, with a high in the upper 70s, but upper 80s return Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

So far, 2024 has been the warmest year ever recorded in Syracuse, and meteorologists say this could be one of the hottest summers on record.