There’s a heat advisory in New York City as heat indexes climb into the triple digits today. Five of the city’s boroughs have a heat advisory in effect, while there’s an air quality alert in effect for most of New York City and surrounding areas.
Heat advisory in New York
The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory in New York lasting until 6 p.m. tonight. The advisory covers the five boroughs of NYC and northeastern and central New Jersey. Meteorologists are forecasting heat indexes of between 95 and 100 degrees for today. In addition to the heat advisory in New York today, the National Weather Service has also issued an excessive heat warning for New Jersey’s Burlington Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties, where meteorologists are forecasting heat index readings of between 100 and 105 degrees.
Meteorologists also see a risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, with relief from the high heat index readings coming on Friday with the possibility for severe weather. The National Weather Service has also issued an air quality alert for the New York area, which is in effect until 10 p.m.
Seek safety from the heat advisory in New York
Officials are advising at-risk residents to make arrangements for today due to the heat advisory in New York and surrounding areas. The city has opened up several cooling centers for city residents who do not have air conditioning. New Yorkers can dial 311 or visit the NYC cooling center website to locate the center that’s closest to them.
In addition to getting to a cool place, officials also say it’s even more important to drink plenty of water during times of excessive heat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are even more of a threat for the elderly or those who suffer from chronic health conditions. Those who work outside are also at risk for heat-related illnesses, so officials are advising everyone in the New York area to limit the amount of time they spend outside.
They also recommend wearing sunscreen for those who do venture outdoors, as officials say it could take as little as 15 minutes on days like today.
