Excessive heat is coming to NYC. Here's the warning for the weekend.
The New York City area is expected to be hit with extreme heat over the next few days. Summer officially arrived Friday night, and it's coming in with a vengeance.
The humidity makes a return this weekend, as temperatures start to climb for what could be the first heat wave of the year. Some areas are on track to hit 100 degrees early next week.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state officials held a briefing about the heat Friday morning. She said the Department of Health is in communication with local utility companies, and the MTA will dispatch extra crews as needed.
"I cannot emphasize this enough: Extreme heat can be deadly," the governor said, adding, "The best way to stay safe is stay indoors, with air conditioning. This is not the time to start training for the marathon."
Hochul also encouraged New Yorkers to vote early in the New York City mayoral primary, before the heat ratchets up on Election Day.
"You don't have to stand in line in the sweltering heat on that day to cast your vote," she said. "That's why voting early is such an incredibly important option this year, or request a mail-in ballot at your local county office."
The governor also announced she has signed a bill that will allow refreshments to be offered to people waiting in line to vote.
Long Island leaders urge caution
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also held a briefing Friday to warn residents about what to expect.
"Make sure that you have plenty of water available," he said. "Charge your cellphones, there could be power outages."
Blakeman said the county's cooling centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and one at Mitchel Field will be open 24 hours.
"If you take precautions, you'll be absolutely fine," he added.
With expected oppressive heat coming, summer fun can quickly turn into a fiasco.
"Make sure you have sunscreen. Wear light, loose clothing. Never, ever leave a child in a car. Never leave a pet in a car," Blakeman said.
An Air Quality Health Advisory has also been issued for all of Long Island due to ozone. The advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
How to beat the heat around NYC
New York City beaches are open with lifeguards on duty, but pools aren't scheduled to open until next week, once school is out for the summer.
Westchester County will open the following pools and beaches on Monday: Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Playland Beach in Rye, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers and Willson's Wave Pool in Mt. Vernon.
Officials warn the heat can be dangerous, and it's best to limit time outside, especially midday. Stay in the shade as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. Children and the elderly can be especially vulnerable.
These recommendations apply to pets, too.
"This is an incredibly important week to be smart for you and your families," said Hochul, adding, "Let's remember who we are as New Yorkers. We check on our neighbors, see if there's anything we can pick up for them, especially our older neighbors, let them stay inside, or a mom with little children, help everybody out. Take extra precautions with your own kids and pets, absolutely do not leave them in a hot car, it can be deadly."
"The key thing to remember is heat injury sneaks up on all of us. It doesn't just start and, all of a sudden, you're sick," New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald said. "You may start feeling faint, maybe a little dizzy, maybe nauseous, in other words, a little sick to your stomach. Then, you might feel some weakness, maybe you can't walk straight. You see how it progresses, right? And then you get muscle cramps, it might progress to confusion, even convulsions, loses consciousness."
Those without air conditioning are encouraged to visit one of the city's 600 cooling centers. to find one near you.
Earlier this week, Hochul announced the state's "Essential Plan Cooling Program," an initiative to provide free air conditioners to eligible residents. to see if you qualify.
The heat comes after strong storms swept through on Thursday night, causing severe damage in some parts of the area. A teenage boy was also struck by lightning near 101st Street and East Drive in Central Park. Police said they found him conscious and sitting up against a fence. He was taken to a hospital with neck injuries.
