Humidity remains the primary weather story today. Temperatures stay close to average, but the muggy air may be enough to spark a brief afternoon shower. Most communities, however, remain dry.

Monday is expected to be the most pleasant day of the forecast with mostly sunny skies, seasonable temperatures and somewhat lower humidity. By Tuesday, warmth and humidity begin increasing ahead of a potentially dangerous stretch of weather.

A prolonged period of excessive heat appears increasingly likely from Wednesday through the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Some Hudson Valley communities could challenge or break daily temperature records, while feels-like temperatures climb into the low to mid-100s by Thursday and Friday.

The combination of intense heat and humidity could also trigger scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms Friday and again on the Fourth of July. Although many communities may stay dry, any storms that develop could produce torrential rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.

Now is the time to prepare for the dangerous heat by drinking plenty of water, taking breaks in air-conditioned buildings, avoiding strenuous afternoon activities and checking on elderly neighbors and loved one