Holiday headache? Dry Friday for many, but soaking rain for Memorial Day weekend

AccuWeather Alert: Very hot and humid

The first day of what is expected to be a five-day extreme heat wave begins Wednesday, with "feels like" temperatures climbing near 110 degrees, particularly on Thursday and Friday. All existing heat watches have now been upgraded to extreme heat warnings in effect from Wednesday through Saturday, while the heat wave itself is expected to continue into Sunday, although the severity may ease slightly by then. Poor air quality will accompany the heat, with alerts remaining in place through much of the week. There is also a developing storm component to the forecast. There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds on Wednesday afternoon and evening. The highest likelihood for severe weather is across northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut, though isolated storms could extend into New York City, central New Jersey, and Long Island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Warm Tuesday, but stretch of dangerous heat looms

The big story heading into the upcoming holiday weekend is intense heat, with "feels like" temperatures expected to approach 110 degrees. The forecast shows a clear arc to this heat wave, projected to last about five days, peaking on Thursday and Friday. During that stretch, heat index values could climb between 105 and 110 degrees. An excessive or extreme heat watch has been extended from Wednesday through Saturday, underscoring just how serious conditions could become. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Early AM and night rain

Early commuters Friday should watch for lingering wet roads and potential standing water, particularly in northern areas. As the day progresses, clouds will give way to some sunshine, with warm and humid conditions continuing and a slight chance of a stray shower in central and southern New Jersey. Winds will be out of the south at 5 to 10 miles per hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Wake-Up Weather: Showers and humidity creep up

Sunshine will mix with increasing cloud cover on Thursday, and while humidity levels will start inching upward, they will not become oppressive. During the daytime hours on Thursday, there is a chance of a few isolated showers, primarily north and west of the city, while coastal areas and beaches are expected to stay in relatively good shape. By nighttime, however, showers and possible thundershowers become more widespread, particularly later into the overnight period. Despite this, the daylight hours on Thursday still offer mostly pleasant conditions, with only spotty afternoon activity interrupting the mix of sun and clouds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Smooth handoff from spring to summer this weekend

We start off breezy on Saturday, but it will be a smooth transition from spring to summer this weekend. As this transition unfolds, the start of summer arrives early Sunday morning at 4:24 a.m., and the seasonal debut is expected to feel fitting. The weekend overall looks inviting, with lower humidity and a mix of sunshine and clouds keeping temperatures generally in the 80s. Father's Day, in particular, is shaping up to be pleasant, with dry conditions dominating despite the slight chance of a stray shower. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]