With temperatures in the 90s again today, there is no relief from the dog days in sight. Thursday and Friday will see temperatures approach 100 degrees as New York is in the midst of summer’s first heat wave. Today will be the fifth consecutive day the temperature has reached at least 90 degrees and the run will reach at least a week.
The last time Queens saw a week of temperatures in the 90s was June of last year.
The best way to avoid the heat is to stay someplace cool and with that in mind the city has opened cooling centers to help residents beat the blazing summer sun.
The National Weather Service has also issued an Excessive Heat Watch for New York City. The combination of high heat and humidity can lead to heat illnesses.
Heat waves are not often considered to be a health risk, but can be dangerous – even fatal. According to the National Weather Service, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States – more than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
Often, it is not just the heat alone that kills, but the added stress can aggravate heart or lung disease. Strenuous activities outdoors should be avoided.
Cooling centers open when the heat index – often termed as apparent temperature – surpasses 100 or after two consecutive days of 95. Today the heat and humidity will make it feel like the mid-nineties. Thursday and Friday’s apparent temperature may reach between 105 and 110.
Often housed in senior centers, libraries and community centers, there are over 400 cooling centers throughout the city. To locate the one nearest to you call 3-1-1 or visit the Office of Emergency Management’s web site, www.nyc.gov/oem.
Here are some tips from the Office of Emergency Management beating the heat:
• Use an air conditioner if you have one.
• If you do not have an air conditioner, go to a cooler place such as an air-conditioned store, mall, museum or movie theater.
• Use a fan if the air is not too hot. Fans work best at night to bring in cooler air from outside. Use a fan only when the air conditioner is on or the windows are open.
• Drink plenty of water or other fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar.
• If possible, stay out of the sun. When you’re in the sun, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, wear a hat to protect your face and head, and use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to protect exposed skin.
• Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car.
• Avoid strenuous activity, or plan it for the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 AM. and 7 AM.
• Be careful if you take a cold shower to stay cool – sudden temperature changes can make you feel dizzy or sick.
