Newsman: More than 100 million Americans are under heat alerts through the weekend. New York City residents could experience 90-degree temperatures or higher this weekend into early next week. The stretch would be the longest ever in June in the city. For the first time this year, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the city. A heat emergency is in effect for Washington, DC, where the temperature skyrocketed to 100º F, the first time the city has recorded a temperature that high since 2012. The heat wave’s prolonged nature is a serious concern.
The extreme heat and humidity will combine to push the heat index – or how hot it feels – to 100 to 105 degrees over a widespread area, with 110 degrees possible in the southern mid-Atlantic. Record overnight low temperatures will increase health risks by reducing the ability for people to cool down at night.
New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout weekend, with heat index values in the upper-90s to 100 across the city.
City authority urged New Yorker Stay out of the sun and avoids extreme temperature changes. Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. In addition, there was an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 P.M Friday for ground-level ozone pollution.
“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public and I encourage anyone looking for a place to beat the heat to take advantage of them or visit one of our city’s beaches.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the opening of the state’s emergency operations center, which she said will monitor conditions and share resources with emergency management personnel across the state’s 62 counties. Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said cooling centers will be open across the city.
In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner. The most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment.
“Heat is dangerous but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “So, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Last but not least check in on vulnerable individuals, especially older, relatives, neighbors and friends, as well as those with chronic and mental health conditions.”
The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat.
As the summer is officially underway and bringing in high heat, I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing. Beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a Cooling Center. New Yorkers can also stay cool by visiting a museum, house of worship, movie theater, publicly-accessible atriums and lobbies, or other cool spaces. High heat can be dangerous, look out for another, especially older adults, children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.”
Meanwhile, all cooling centers are open across the city, including, on Sunday, up to 45 NYC public schools as part of whole community approach. Each school will have the capacity to host and cool several hundred New Yorkers
During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area.
To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. This year’s newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
New Yorkers are advises to drink enough water, rest, and locate shade if they are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
