Twin Tiers Brace for Rain and High Heat Index Values

The National Weather Service is advising residents there is a possibility for a little minor flooding from downpours if some strong thunderstorms materialize in the afternoon July 18.

The NOAA Binghamton office is predicting a few rounds of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening of July 18.

NOAA says some storms could produce gusty winds along with some flooding in poor drainage areas and along small streams.

The rain may be welcome by some, but may not amount to much as rain could flow right off hard, baked soil instead of soaking in.

A small portion of western and northern Broome County along with all of Tioga County in New York are colored yellow for being in a deficiency for rainfall by the U.S. Drought monitor along with all of Bradford County and the far western edge of Susquehanna County. Most of Broome and Susquehanna Counties are not listed as significantly dry although area lawns and gardens are parched.

The amount of rain predicted from the current system is less than an inch, putting little dent in any moisture deficit.

Later this week, the issue is with the heat.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton says Heat Index values Wednesday afternoon are forecasted to be from 95 to 100 degrees with the highest readings in valleys and urban areas.

When heat index values, that is ambient air temperature combined with humidity, get into the high range, the danger of illness increases as well.

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Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke can be a problem in extreme conditions and precautions are encouraged.  Residents are advised to stay in air conditioning if possible, avoid exertion during the heat of the day, check on the elderly, never leave children or pets in a vehicle and make sure animals have access to shade and fresh water.

So far no advisories have been issued concerning possible severe weather or extreme heat at this time.