Severe weather warnings popping up as NYC is under heat advisory, air quality alert Thursday and Friday

Dangerous heat is building across the Tri-State Area with the threat of severe storms, making Thursday and Friday First Alert Weather Days.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of New Jersey and New York through midnight.

Click here to get the latest severe weather watches, warnings and alerts.  

A Heat Advisory is in place from noon through 8 p.m. Friday for most of the area, including the city.

 An Air Quality Alert is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday for New York City and Long Island due to elevated ozone levels.  

What's the weather today? 

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop between 4 and 9 p.m., with the potential to turn severe. The main concerns are damaging straight-line winds and hail, so it is important to stay aware.

Any evening storms taper off overnight, but the muggy air sticks around. 

Friday follows a similar script with another hot, humid day and another round of late-day strong to severe storms.

Weekend forecast

Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions improve. Saturday stays warm with lower humidity and highs in the upper 80s, while Sunday remains warm with a late chance for a passing shower.

Make sure to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors throughout this stretch.

Cooling centers across the city are opening for the duration of the hot weather. Click here to find a center nearby.