What you should know
- A dangerous hot spell continues to hit the tri-state area Friday, pushing temperatures into the 90s. They are expected to remain there until early next week.
- Friday will be just as hot as Thursday, but could be less humid. The heat gets worse over the weekend. All-time highs could be challenged, especially on Sunday, which could look like the most insufferable day so far in this last stretch.
- Conditions can be dangerous for vulnerable people and pets, so be sure to monitor your elderly neighbors for safety in this extreme heat.
—
NEW YORK – The sweltering streak of heat and humidity that has gripped the tri-state area for most of this week continues to rage relentlessly this Friday, also bringing another chance for isolated severe weather across the region.
Intense storms a day ago that hit places from New Jersey to Long Island with hail and strong winds helped cut some of the humidity on Friday, so it won’t feel as hot outside. That isolated threat of severe weather returns again in the afternoon.
At this point, the main threat appears to be primarily north and west of New York City, with high winds being the main concern. The city is outside of even the “possible” severe weather risk zone as of Friday morning, but conditions could change later in the day, and any storms that do arise may have severe potential due to the atmospheric environment.
Afternoon temperatures Thursday night were still in the 90s even after the storms had isolated our region. Heat advisories remain in effect for the entire tri-state area, including all of New York City, and are expected to remain active through Sunday.
EXTREME HEAT SATURES ELECTRICITY NETWORKS
Sunday looks set to be the most excruciating day of the heat spell so far, with temperatures looking to hit near-record levels. It’s also expected to stay in the 90s on Monday, which would mean seven straight days of this much heat.
Thunderstorms cool all three states back to near-average late-July temperatures on Tuesday.
In order to monitor any potential disruption to power grids, which are already under a lot of stress from the heat wave, Con-Ed opened its emergency response center to meet the increase in demand. The utility is asking New Yorkers to save energy by turning off air conditioning in unoccupied rooms and to use dishwashers or laundry facilities early in the morning or late at night, rather than during peak hours.
“If people lose power, we can respond to those outages and restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” a Con Edison spokesperson said.
Looking for a cooling center in New York City? Find the closest to you here same.
For those in the city looking to cool off with a swim, NYC Parks said the 51-hour outdoor pool will be extended again until 8 p.m. Thursday at the Olympic and intermediate pools due to the heat advisory. For those thinking of converting a nearby fire hydrant into a sprinkler, the FDNY urges people to take advantage of the sprinkler cap program first.
“It’s important not to open fire hydrants. When you do it without sprinkler caps, it reduces water pressure and can affect our ability to fight fires effectively,” said FDNY Department Chief John Hodgens.
Those planning to cool off in Long Island’s waters, beware of rip currents (and of course sharks).
TIPS TO SAVE ELECTRICITY DURING THE HEAT IN NY
The utility company also had some tips for saving energy:
- Set air conditioners to 78 degrees
- Use timers to set cooling systems to come on no more than half an hour before you return home
- Do not use air conditioning when no one is at home.
- Reduce indoor lighting
- Unplug electronics you don’t use
New York City’s average number of days above 90 degrees in July is 11, five days more than this year’s current total. The heat wave will eclipse that mark when all is said and done.
The city had its official summer heat wave last week, with Thursday being the third consecutive day in the city where temperatures reached 90 degrees or higher. This heat wave will be even hotter and possibly more than twice as long.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statewide heat advisory before the latest wave began, saying Monday, “The next few days will bring extreme heat across the state with dangerous heat indexes that could reach 100.”
“I urge all New Yorkers to prepare for the heat and humidity this week and to keep a close eye on the weather in the days ahead,” the Democrat added. “As New Yorkers, we take care of each other, so don’t forget to check on your neighbors, especially seniors, those with young children, and people with disabilities.”
The New York State Department of Health is also reminding New Yorkers that heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, but each year many people suffer from the effects of extreme heat. Some people are at higher risk for heat-related illness than others.
New Yorkers should be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of heat-related illnesses to protect themselves and their loved ones.
AVOID HEAT STROKE
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Hot, dry, red skin
- a quick pulse
- Fast and shallow breathing
- A body temperature above 105°
- Loss of alertness, confusion and/or loss of consciousness.
The tri-state area is under an intense heat spell with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees.
Follow conditions closely with our interactive radar below:
–
