LONG ISLAND, NY — The week's oppressive heat and humidity is expected to continue into Wednesday night, the National Weather Service said.
Additionally, there is a high risk of rip currents at oceanfront beaches on Long Island Wednesday, the NWS said.
According to Faye Morrone, meteorologist for the NWS office in Upton, the heat advisory has been extended until Wednesday at 9 p.m. across Long Island, except for parts of southeastern Suffolk County, which will be a bit cooler.
On Wednesday, temperatures on Long Island will range from the mid-80s to the 90s, with heat index values from the mid-90s to around 100 degrees, he said. The hottest areas of the day are expected to fall between noon and 6 p.m
Isolated thunderstorms are possible for Wednesday, with more chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and into Wednesday night as a cold front moves through the area, the NWS said. Damaging winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, and torrential rain are possible, the NWS said.
According to the NWS, high temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illness. A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like 95 to 99 degrees for two or more days in a row or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time, the NWS said.
Some relief is expected Thursday, with heat indices expected to peak in the mid to upper 80s, the NWS said.
The elderly and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much warmer than outside temperatures, the NWS said.
“Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go somewhere that has air conditioning. If you don't have air conditioning at home, keep looking for cool places every day while it's still warm and for a few days afterward. If your home is still warm, check for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors,” the NWS said.
PSEG Long Island also offered advice Wednesday.
Additionally, to reduce risk while working outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shady place. Heatstroke is an emergency. In cases of heatstroke, call 911, the NWS said.
