What to Know
- A dangerous stretch of heat grips the tri-state area starting Tuesday, sending temperatures into the 90s. They’re expected to stay there for a solid week and the humidity will make it feel more like the 100s
- Conditions could be perilous for especially vulnerable people and pets, so be sure to check on any older neighbors to make sure they are able to handle the hot weather
- Strong storms are possible again Thursday as another cold front approaches the tri-state area. It’s too soon to know exactly how that forecast might play out — and for whom — so stay with Storm Team 4 for the latest.
The first extended and brutal blast of summer hits the tri-state starting Tuesday, smothering people and pets alike with suffocating humidity as actual temperatures top the 90s. And there won’t be any relief for awhile.
A “cold” front passing through overnight opened the morning with some less humid air, but temperatures will rise over the course of the day. Expect a high around 92, which won’t be too bad compared with what’s ahead.
The mercury should climb to about 95 on Wednesday but it’ll feel like 100 or hotter with the humidity. That pattern is expected to linger through the weekend at least and possibly into Monday. Conditions could be perilous at times, for especially vulnerable people and pets, so be sure to check on any older neighbors to make sure they are able to handle the hot weather.
A heat advisory takes effect for New York City Wednesday. One has also been issued for Westchester County by the local health department. An air quality health advisory is also in effect for Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Check the latest severe weather alerts in your neighborhood here.
Storm Team 4
Even though it’ll feel miserable out the next two days, temps won’t reach anywhere near record highs at Central Park (Wednesday’s daily record is 101, Thursday’s is 104) for those dates.
Looking for an NYC cooling center? Find the closest one to you right here.
For those in the city looking to cool off with a swim, NYC Parks said that outdoor pool hours will be extended to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Olympic- and intermediate-sized pools due to the heat advisory. For those thinking of turning a nearby fire hydrant into a sprinkler, the FDNY is urging people to take advantage of the sprinkler spray cap program first.
“It’s important to not open up the fire hydrants. When that is done without the sprinkler caps, it reduces water pressure and can affect our ability to effectively fight fires,” said FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens.
Those who plan on cooling down in the waters off Long Island, watch out for rip currents. They’re high on the southern beaches Tuesday.
New York City’s average number of days above 90 degrees in July is 11, five days more than the current total this year. The heat wave will eclipse that mark by the time all is said and done.
In order to monitor any potential outages in networks under a lot of stress during the heat wave, Con-Ed is opening up their emergency response center starting Wednesday at 7 a.m. The utility is asking New Yorkers to conserve energy by turning off the A/C in unoccupied rooms, and to use dishwashers or laundry early in the morning or late at night, rather than in peak hours.
The city had its official heat wave of the summer last week, with Thursday being the third straight day in the city where temperatures hit 90 degrees or above. This heat wave will be even hotter and possibly more than twice as long.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statewide warning on the heat before the latest wave started, saying on Monday, “The next several days will bring extreme heat throughout the state with dangerous heat indices potentially reaching into the 100s.”
“I am urging all New Yorkers to prepare for heat and humidity this week and to keep a close eye on the weather over the next couple of days,” the Democrat added. “As New Yorkers, we take care of one another, so please don’t forget to check on neighbors, especially seniors, those with young children, and people with disabilities.”
Storm Team 4 Here’s your NYC 10-day forecast.
The New York State Department of Health also reminds New Yorkers that heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, yet annually many people suffer from the effects of extreme heat. Some individuals are at a higher risk for heat-related illness than others.
New Yorkers should learn the risk factors and symptoms of heat-related illness to protect themselves and those they love.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Hot, dry, red skin
- A rapid pulse
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- A body temperature higher than 105°
- Loss of alertness, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness.
Learn more and find cooling center locations here.
Track any approaching weather using our interactive radar below.
The heat wave follows a storm system that triggered a bevy of flash flood and thunderstorm warnings throughout the New York City area on Monday, with floodwaters impacting commutes for many throughout the tri-state.
A record amount of rain fell at Central Park throughout the day on Monday, with 1.85 inches recorded — breaking the daily rainfall record of 1.76 inches previously set in 2012.
Parts of New Jersey, like Tenafly and Fair Lawn, saw more than 4 inches fall in less than two hours.
Strong storms are possible again Thursday as another cold front approaches the tri-state area. It’s too soon to know exactly how that forecast might play out — and for whom — so stay with Storm Team 4 for the latest.
Storm Team 4 Here’s a look at Thursday’s severe weather risk.
Damaging winds and heavy rain thrashed much of the tri-state area late Monday afternoon, including New York City.
