Sweltering Temperatures Set To Persist In Tri-State Area
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The heat continued to stifle New York City as temperatures are expected to hover around the 90s this week.
A heat advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for New York City. Forecasters are calling for temperatures to hit or exceed 95 degrees again on Tuesday.
As of the late night hours, it was still 78 degrees in the city. The temperature Monday topped out at 92 in the city, and 96 in at the hot spot in Teterboro, N.J., CBS 2's Lonnie Quinn reported.
And along with the heat came a threat of severe weather.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued and dropped over the course of the day for Rockland and southern Orange counties, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. A severe thunderstorm watch was also issued and dropped Monday for almost all of New Jersey with the exception of the northeastern counties.
Strong storms were seen on Long Island Monday afternoon.
EXTRA: Forecast & Alerts | Staying Safe In The Summer Heat
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also issued an air quality alert until 11 p.m. Monday for New York City, Westchester and Rockland counties. Hot weather can cause elevated ozone levels.
Officials recommend staying indoors in the air conditioning, drinking water regularly, putting on sunscreen, wearing loose-fitting clothing and taking a cool shower or bath.
Heat Advisory In Effect For NYC As Temperatures Rise
"Extreme heat affects people of all ages, but some New Yorkers are more vulnerable than others, especially the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and those taking certain medications," New York City Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Bruno said in a statement. "Staying cool during any extreme heat is of paramount importance. Information and preparedness are the most powerful tools New Yorkers possess to combat heat-related illnesses this season."
Across Queens, residents did what they could to keep cool.
Joe Marraccino said he takes advantage of the city cooling center at the Whitestone Library when the mercury rises.
"Getting away from the heat, it's a great place," he told CBS 2's Janelle Burrell. "Drink a lot of water."
But staying indoors is not an option for the contractors, melting away while working on the ramp to the Whitestone Bridge.
Still, they say it beats the alternative.
"Better than being in the tunnel," one man told Burrell.
For others, this is weather they live for.
"Believe me, this is the best job in the summer," ice delivery man Sebastian Calixto told Burrell.
Calixto said his customers are now in overdrive. His deliveries Monday were double what they normally are this time of year, he said.
"I make approximately 40 to 60 stores a day," Calixto said.
Lemon Ice King of Corona was another hot spot for cooling off.
"I need it. I'm hot," a customer told Burrell.
Employee Ariel Fernandez is relishing in his job that includes frequent trips to their freezer.
"It's about below 11 degrees," he told Burrell. "It's awesome. This is the best place to be in the hot weather right now."
Some kids in Whitestone celebrated their kindergarten graduation with a water party in the park.
"We were playing in the sprinklers and going on the slides," Simon Stoyanov told Burrell.
Residents can contact the New York City Office of Emergency Management for information about open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations.
"We have opened more than 400 cooling centers throughout the city for those needing relief from the heat," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday.
To find a cooling station near you, click here.
Con Edison is also offering tips on how to keep cool while also keeping energy costs down.
One way is to leave shades, blinds and curtains closed. The utility says about 40 percent of unwanted heat comes in through windows.
It also recommends keeping air conditioner filters clean to optimize efficiency and setting the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees -- each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent.
For more cost-saving tips, visit www.coned.com.
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