High temps expected in the Capital Region next week, but probably not record breaking

Scotia-Glenville’s Ryan Freihoffer, left, and Lexi Fallon cool off in fan-blown mist to beat the heat at Shenendehowa High School Thursday, June 1, 2023.

ALBANY – Higher temperatures are expected in the Capital Region next week, but meteorologists are not expecting it to break any records.

After a few weeks of temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, temperatures are expected to be higher during the week of Labor Day.

“We are looking at a return of summertime warmth next week,” said Christina Speciale, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albany. “But, it’s not uncommon for this time of year. September can definitely be warm during the first half of the month.”

The temperature on Labor Day, Tuesday and Wednesday looks like it will be in the upper 80s, to possibly even the lower 90s on Wednesday, Speciale said.

“While Labor Day does mark the quote unquote unofficial last day of summer, it’s definitely still going to feel like summer,” Speciale said. “So for those people heading back to school, or work, it’s going to feel like summer on that first day.”

The first week of September typically has high temperatures in the low to mid 80s, Speciale said. For Sept. 1-4, the normal high is 84 degrees in Albany, and on Sept. 5-6 it’s 83 degrees.

While temperatures next week will be between 3-8 degrees hotter than average, Speciale said they will not likely break any records.

“The record highs are quite impressive for next week, back in 1953 the first three days of September were 96, then 100, then 100 again. September 4, the record is 97 and that was set in 1929. September 5, our record is what we’d call our low-hanging fruit, the record is only 92, that was set in 2018, so right now our official forecast for Tuesday is a high of 90, so if any day could break a record it would be Tuesday or Wednesday.”

The humidity next week will be high, approaching heat advisory criteria, Speciale said. Most of this summer the Capital Region has really been spared from the heat because of all the rain the area has received.

“As of this morning, Albany has recorded its one of the wettest summers since the 1800s,” Speciale said. “We have precipitation records going back to 1826, and this is the third wettest summer for Albany. That kind of explains why we’ve been spared from the heat.”

Speciale encouraged everyone to not let their guard down next week simply because it’s the first full week of Spetember. Vulnerable communities should beware of the heat and humidity next week, as the humidity will make higher temperatures feel hotter.

“Usually if the heat index, or the ‘feels like’ temperature is 95 degrees, we will have to potentially issue a heat advisory,” Speciale said. “That’s something we will be keeping an eye on for Labor Day and a few days after.”

Schools with outside sports happening early next week should also pay attention to the temperatures, and be mindful that younger children, and other vulnerable communities may be more susceptible to heat, especially when they are physically active.

“Be mindful of the heat, and take precautions as necessary, ” Speciale said. “Take extra breaks, drink plenty of water, limit any strenuous activities in those hot days. Don’t let your guard down just because we traditionally view Labor Day as the end of summer.”

Temperatures Monday and Tuesday are expected to be 87 in Gloversville, 88-89 in Saratoga, 85-86 in Gloversville and 87-89 in Albany, according to the National Weather Service.

University at Albany meteorologist Ross Lazear reports that “a long, dry stretch of weather is ahead, with increasingly warmer temperatures for the holiday weekend.