LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island is dealing with some high temperatures: A heat advisory is in effect for all of Long Island through Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
With temperatures in the low to mid-90s, coupled with humidity, the heat index will make it feel like between 95 and 100 degrees until at least Tuesday afternoon, said David Stark, National Weather Service meteorologist Meteorological Service.
Two new high temperature records were set just this afternoon. Islip, New York hit 95 degrees, which breaks the old record of 94 degrees previously set in 1999. Bridgeport, CT hit 92 degrees, which breaks the old record of 91 degrees previously set in 2005. #nywx #ctwx #liwx
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 27, 2020
The heat advisory was triggered by two days of blistering conditions and the combination of high temperatures and humidity, he said.
Stark said people are advised to be cautious when going outside, drink fluids, stay in air conditioning as much as possible and check on the elderly and pets. Animals should not be left in vehicles, he said.
“Be smart when it comes to these conditions,” he said.
Temperatures will range from the 90's this afternoon, but will top out in the 100's! The heat warning is in effect for both today and tomorrow. Make sure you apply good heat protection, have plenty of water and LOOK before you LOCK! #NYCwx #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/hV9L4nrg5o
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 27, 2020
Additionally, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an ozone advisory for Monday for the Long Island area.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advised all residents, especially young children, the elderly, those who exercise or engage in vigorous outdoor work and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, to limit vigorous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated from midday to early evening on warm, sunny days.
Governor Andrew Cuomo also urged New Yorkers to take appropriate safety precautions.
“This type of heat is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions — but I encourage everyone to limit outdoor activity and if you want to stay cool at beaches and pools, remember to wear your mask and apply social distancing,” he said.
Heat Tips
Extreme heat is the leading cause of preventable weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States annually. To help New Yorkers stay safe during the extreme heat, Cuomo offered tips:
The following people are most at risk:
- The elderly and young children are mostly affected
- People who are overweight/obese
- People taking certain medications or drugs
Get ready:
- Avoid vigorous activity and exercise, especially during the peak hours of the sun from 11 am. until 4 p.m.
- Exercise and activity should be done early in the morning between 4am. and 7 a.m
- Drink plenty of water and decaffeinated beverages.
- Stay out of the sun and try to cool off in an air-conditioned building for a few hours during the hottest part of the day. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If there is no air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun, or go to a public building with air conditioning
- If you must go outside, wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose, light, light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and overheating effects of sunlight on your body.
- Do not leave children, pets or people who need special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can quickly reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a minute.
- Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heatwave, especially if they are elderly, have young children, or have special needs. Make sure there is enough food and water for the pets
Signs of heat-related illness
Prolonged exposure to heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, such as:
- Headache
- Mild headache
- Muscle cramps
- Motion sickness
- Vomiting
For more information on how to stay safe during extreme heat, click here.
