Temperatures to reach 100 by noon

The oppressive heat got an early start today with temperatures reaching the 90s before many people reached work. That early morning heat is only the beginning as temperatures are expected to hit triple digits by noon.
Today marks the most stifling weather in a full week of 90-plus temperatures. The combination of heat and humidity will make it feel close to 110 degrees today and the dog days are forecasted to continue through the weekend.
The city has opened cooling centers to help residents beat the heat. 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. The Office of Emergency Management suggests staying out of the sun as much as possible. Children and senior citizens face the greatest risks in the blistering heat.
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