ALBANY COUNTY — State agencies are preparing for severe weather including thunderstorms and extreme heat, according to a Wednesday release from the governor’s office.

The National Weather Service says scattered severe storms are possible here on Thursday. 

“There is a risk of severe thunderstorms across all of eastern NY and western New England Thursday as a cold front moves across the region,” says the Weather Service. “At this time, the storms may be capable of producing damaging winds, lightning and torrential rainfall.”

Warm weather will arrive early next week, the Weather Service says, forecasting a heat index for Albany of 98 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, 108 degrees on Monday, and 106 degrees on Tuesday.

The Weather Service labels temperatures of over 103 degrees in the “danger” zone, advising, “Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.”

The service also says, “Heat is one of the most deadly weather hazards — don’t underestimate it.” 

The service advises: Never leave people or pets alone in a closed car; drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty; wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; and spend time in air-conditioning and in the shade.

“With severe storms and dangerous heat expected across the state, I’m urging all New Yorkers to take precautions — stay indoors when possible, vote early, stay hydrated, and check on your fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in the release from her office. “My administration will be closely monitoring the weather over the next week, and I encourage all New Yorkers to stay weather aware, watch their local forecast, and follow all local guidance.”

Hochul also recently announced a suite of actions to help New Yorkers stay cool during extreme heat events this summer, including support for air-conditioning at home through the Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP and better access to cooling centers with a Cooling Center Finder.

During heat waves, increased use of electric devices such as air-conditioners place a considerable demand on the state’s electricity system and instances of low voltage or isolated power outages can result, according to the state’s Department of Public Service.

The record for such usage was set on July 19, 2013, when it reached 33,956 MWs (one megawatt of electricity is enough to power up to 1,000 average-sized homes). The peak load forecast for June 18 is 22,550 MW. 

“There are no operational problems on the transmission system and there is sufficient generation scheduled to meet today’s peak load,” the department said on June 18.

The state’s health department cites resources at the CDC’s extreme heat website and the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

The  health department’s interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

Information about what to do during hot weather and how to  locate cooling centers can be found at the health department’s Extreme Heat website.