Heat advisory for Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Eastern Ulster counties in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Air quality alert for Westchester and Rockland counties in effect Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. due to some wildfire smoke, as well as ground level ozone from stagnant air lingering at the surface, trapping pollutants of the day.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

There is the likelihood we will see a heat wave on our hands by Wednesday afternoon. A heat wave is defined as a location recording three days in a row of 90 degrees or high temps.

The heat will break Wednesday into Thursday. That is the good news. The bad news is that an approaching cold front will kick off showers and storms. Some of the storms could be strong to severe, producing damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours. They will move in Wednesday afternoon and last (on and off) through Thursday. Friday sees the showers tapering off with a cooler feeling moving in.

Saturday looks great and could be a great Pick of the Week!

OVERNIGHT: Mostly clear and stuffy. Lows: Mid-60s to mid-70s.

TUESDAY: HEAT ALERT - Hazy, hot and humid. RECORD: 95 (1949). Highs: Mid- to upper 90s. Lows: Mid-70s.

WEDNESDAY: HEAT ALERT - Mostly sunny with an increase in clouds later in the day. There will be a chance for afternoon showers and storms. It will still feel muggy out. RECORD: 95 (1949). Highs: Mid-90s. Lows: Low 70s.

THURSDAY: WEATHER TO WATCH - Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and isolated storms. Highs: Low 80s. Lows: Mid-60s.

FRIDAY: AUG 1. - Mix of sun and clouds to mostly cloudy skies with a chance for rain showers. Highs: Mid- to upper 70s. Lows: Upper 50s to low 60s.