Heat wave continues to bake city

With a heat wave baking New York City, cooling centers have opened their doors around the five boroughs.
Today marks the sixth consecutive day the temperature has reached 90 degrees, a streak that may not end any time soon. Temperatures are forecasted to approach 100 degrees tomorrow, and the heat wave could continue through the weekend.
The last time Queens experienced this many days of 90-plus degrees was June of last year.
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.
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 as if it is 100 degrees. Tomorrow’s apparent temperature may reach between 105 and 110.
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.
The intense summer heat can also lead to the formation of ground level ozone a major component of smog. As a result, the Department of Health issued an Air Quality Advisory for Queens until 11 p.m. tonight.
When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to exceed 100 an advisory is issued. The index is a correlation of levels of different pollutants in the air. The higher the AQI, the higher the health concern.
Children, those working outdoors and those with respiratory disease are at the greatest risk and should consider limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
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.