New York, New York – Millions of people across the New York City metro area have until Wednesday afternoon to prepare for a prolonged period of dangerous heat that could push heat index values as high as 110 degrees. The combination of intense humidity and several consecutive days of oppressive temperatures will create hazardous conditions for outdoor workers, commuters and anyone without access to air conditioning.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, an Extreme Heat Watch remains in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening for New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, northeast New Jersey and much of southern Connecticut. The watch includes Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties in New Jersey. Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties in Connecticut are also included.
Most inland communities could experience heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees, while coastal areas of Long Island and southeastern Connecticut are expected to peak closer to 100 to 105 degrees. Forecasters also note there is potential for the dangerous heat to continue into Saturday.
The prolonged heat and humidity will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for seniors, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those working outdoors. Dense urban neighborhoods across New York City will remain especially vulnerable as concrete and buildings trap heat well into the night, limiting overnight cooling.
Residents should stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Employers should schedule frequent breaks for outdoor workers in shaded or cooled areas, following Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should be moved to a cool location immediately, and 911 should be called without delay, as heat stroke is a medical emergency.
New York City residents can also call 311 for “Beat the Heat” safety information and locations of available cooling resources. Additional heat alerts or warnings may be issued before Wednesday as confidence in the intensity and duration of the event increases. Continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service through the end of the week.
