New Yorkers Coping With High Temps, Humidity Amid Heat Advisory For All 5 Boroughs

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- Being outside in the steamy heat Friday was downright unpleasant, to put it mildly.

Conditions in the Tri-State Area were reminiscent of a blazing hot steam room – but without the relaxing aspects. And as CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, staying cool and dry was not an easy task.

"It's very hot," said Edward Galvan of Kew Gardens, Queens. "It's hot, it's humid, it's miserable -- it's New York in July.

When asked if he was melting, Galvan said, "past melting; I'm trying not to spontaneously combust."

Dew points hovered near 70 on Friday, making it feel humid, to say the least.

"Sticky, sweaty, smelly," said Jillian Springer of Dallas.

It was in the mid-90s for many and 100 for some. And it was wonder people that flocked to the coast – in Brooklyn, the Coney Island boardwalk was bustling.

But for some, not even the beach brought relief.

"No, not at all – standing b really close to the ocean, it still is hot," said Danielle Feehan of Manasquan, New Jersey.

A Long Beach it seems smiles rolled in with the breeze

"Nice little breeze we've got going on, so everything is fabulous," one woman said.

"I just decide to take the day off, just because it's too hot," another woman said.

"It's awesome. It's great; great time – hang out on the beach all day, play in the sand," a man said.

"Get to get away from the city, the madness, the heat," another man said.

Back on the blacktop, CBS2 found Howard Himelstein, who describes himself as an old New Yorker visiting from California. He shared a unique spin on the sultry conditions.....

"It feels like New York in July," Himelstein said. "I love this -- it's sexy. I live in LA, where it's arid, you know, it's so dry -- and there something nice about the humidity around you."

Himelstein said the humidity gives the skin a certain glow. Others just call it sweat, and it was rolling Friday for everyone.

Keda Williams of Harlem said he can only walk "maybe half a block, then I'm dripping."

Williams said he was doing his best to just stay still while his kids enjoyed the cooling effects of Chelsea waterside park. Christy Thedy took the opposite approach and got into the sprinklers herself.

"I'm not going to lie -- I use (my son) as an excuse to come here," said Thedy, of Corona, Queens.

LINK: Your Local Forecast

A heat advisory was in effect for all five boroughs until 7 p.m. Friday. T

Things will naturally cool down during the evening with warm and sticky conditions and a low of 75 degrees. Fortunately, the weekend is showing signs of relief from the 90s and high humidity, with stray showers and thunderstorms expected for Saturday.

New York City will keep its cooling centers open through Monday. To find one near you, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat.