Park pools are a good place to cool off during these days.
Photo: El Diario / Courtesy
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With temperatures above 90 degrees this week, Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday called on New Yorkers to exercise extreme caution and head to cooling centers to stay cool during this extreme heat wave.
The Weather Service has forecast temperatures hovering around 95 degrees for this Wednesday, and for the rest of the week they will remain above 90 degrees, with the southern regions of the state likely to experience the most dangerous hot conditions, and the 100-degree mark is expected in some places.
Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable weather-related deaths each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600 preventable deaths are caused by heat in the United States each year. Precisely, last June, the New York City Health Department called on New Yorkers to take measures to prevent deaths due to high temperatures, which are estimated at 370 each year in the Big Apple..
After indicating yesterday that the next few days will bring extreme heat throughout the state with dangerous heat indices that could reach 100 degrees, the state president urged all New Yorkers to prepare for the heat and humidity this week and He called for them to keep an eye on the weather for the next few days. She also voiced her concern for the most vulnerable.
“As New Yorkers, we take care of each other, so don’t forget to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, those with small children and people with disabilities,” Hochul said.
The Secretary of State for the State of New York, Robert J. Rodríguez – who oversees the state Division of Consumer Protection – urged state residents to be more vigilant to protect the little ones.
“To help save lives and prevent unnecessary tragedies, I encourage all New Yorkers to learn some important safety tips and implement precautionary measures to ensure the well-being of the children in your care or any child in danger,” he said. Rodriguez.
For her part, the commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Jackie Bray, urged New Yorkers not to leave their homes if not necessary and to stay hydrated.
“The effects of high temperatures and humidity over the course of a few days create dangerous conditions that can lead to heat stress and illness,” the official said. “New Yorkers should do everything they can to stay home and hydrated by drinking plenty of water.”
Bray recommended that those who choose to exercise or have to work outside do so in the early morning or evening when temperatures are not as extreme.
Both the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Emergency Operations Center and the state Department of Public Utilities (DPS) are monitoring weather conditions, contacting local emergency managers and monitoring the utility response to any situation that may arise as a result of this week’s extreme heat.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause, among other symptoms, shortness of breath, hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion or dizziness, nausea and vomiting. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, call 911 right away.
With Edison prepared
Con Edison, one of the companies that supplies electricity in the state, reminded its users to use energy intelligently.
The utility said in a statement that it has moved to respond to any service issues that occur as the thermometer continues to shoot above 90°F.
Heat, humidity, and increased demand for electricity to power air conditioners can cause wires to overheat and cause outages. The next few days could also bring thunderstorms, which can affect the system and cause outages.
stay cool
The map Cool It! from the NYC Parks Department helps people find the closest outdoor pools, spray showers, and water sources in their neighborhoods, as well as the lushest parks with the most shade to help keep cool this summer. To see the map you can go to https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/cool-it-nyc.
Sign up for Notify NYC
To stay informed about weather alerts, you can sign up for Notify NYC (nyc.gov/notifyNYC), which is the City’s emergency notification system.
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