Advisories Issued As Heat Wave Grips Tri-State Area First Few Days Of Summer
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Can you take the heat?!
June 20, the first day of summer, is bringing some extreme heat with it. The second day is not expected to bring much relief.
Wednesday is hazy, hot and humid with a high temperature of 94, according to CBS 2 meteorologist John Elliott. The record high for June 20 is 98 in Central Park, but Elliott said he doesn't think we will break that -- although 94 could tie the record in Newark.
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The temperatures will be like those we have not experience since August of last year. CBS 2's Lonnie Quinn's prediction for Central Park on Wednesday is 94 degrees. The AccuWeather RealFeel temperature will be around 100 degrees Wednesday.
On Thursday, it will be very hot and humid with a high near the record of 97, last reached in 1988, according to AccuWeather. The AccuWeather RealFeel temperature will be between 100 and 105.
Records are definitely in jeopardy over the next few days, Elliott said.
Friday won't be as hot, but it will be humid with clouds and sun. A shower or thunderstorm is possible. The high is expected to be 88.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air health advisory for Wednesday. It will be in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.
The New York City Office of Emergency Management will open air-conditioned cooling centers beginning Wednesday.
Scorching heat is most dangerous when the temperature makes a sudden jump, like the 15- to 20-degree leap expected Wednesday and later in the week, CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez reported. Heat issues tend to be cumulative and the longer the heat wave, the more likely the health problems as people get dehydrated little by little.
Cooling centers are air conditioned places, such as Department for the Aging senior centers, Salvation Army community centers, and public libraries that are open to the public during heat emergencies.
Cooling centers will be open Wednesday and Thursday. To find the cooling center closest to you, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of the Garden State for Wednesday into Friday, and suggest the following heat-related emergency safety tips:
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible
- If you do go outside stay in the shade
- If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air conditioned mall, library or other public place
- Wear sunscreen outside, along with loose fitting light colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
- Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Limit alcohol, and sugary drinks which speeds dehydration
- Never leave children or pets alone in the car
- Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day
- Take a cool shower or bath
- Be a good neighbor, check on elderly and people with disabilities in your community who may need assistance keeping cool
- Additionally, residents should contact their local and/or county offices of emergency management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations.
How are you planning to beat the heat? Let us know below.
