Hazy, Hot, Humid Temperatures Blanket Parts Of The Tri-State Area
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A combination of high heat and humidity is making the end of May feel more like the middle of summer.
Some parts of the Tri-State Area saw the first scorcher of the year as temperatures neared 90 degrees on Thursday. Similar highs are expected Friday and Saturday, crushing the normal high of 75.
"Plan on some steamy conditions today and for your Friday and Saturday, too," CBS 2 meteorologist John Elliott reported. "You gotta just think summer and then you'll be okay."
90 Degree Weather On Tap For Parts Of Tri-State Area
EXTRA: Check The Forecast | Staying Safe In The Summer Heat
"It's going to be quite hot, feeling like the hardest summer," AccuWeather's John Feerick reported. "Temperatures won't really drop below 70, at least in and around the city, the next couple of nights."
From city shores to Sheep Meadow in Central Park, Thursday was a day for New Yorkers to bask in the sun's glow, CBS 2's Vanessa Murdock reported.
"Love it -- absolutely loving it," said Upper West Side resident Tom Holmes. "I was waiting for it for a long time."
But in the meantime, many were outside sweating it out Thursday either loving or hating the spring scorcher.
"The weather is just lovely," said Nassir Holloway as he walked the track at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield, N.J.
"It's getting a little too hot for me but I'd rather take 90 than 50," Upper West Side resident Pedro Rabid said.
"I'm not a big fan of this intense heat. It's not that bad yet, but I'd rather have the cold," one man said.
The scorching temperature made the Coney Island boardwalk bustle with activity just days after a cold and wet weekend forced a slow start to beach season.
Ocean temperatures remained cool, around 57 degrees, but that didn't stop kids from playing in the waves.
"The water's cold and it's also a little warm," said 4-year-old Kumiko.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Department of Health have issued a warning about the potential dangers posed by the excessive heat and humidity.
"High temperatures and humid conditions have the possibility of making outdoor activities and non air-conditioned facilities extremely dangerous and uncomfortable," said OEM director Colonel Rick Fuentes. "Be mindful of the threats that heat waves pose such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sometimes death."
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.
"The elderly and children are the most susceptible to heat stroke and exhaustion, although anyone can be affected," added New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd. "Hot, dry skin, an absence of sweat and a rapid and strong pulse, are all signs of heat stroke."
The region could get a break Sunday when some storms are expected to roll in late in the day to cool things off, forecasters said.
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