Already dealing with hot and humid temperatures, Queens finds itself under a flash flood watch in advance of thunderstorms that are expected to arrive this afternoon.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory for Queens and the rest of the city from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters predict that a line of showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop and move across the area at that time.
The storms could produce up to two inches of rain in a short period of time. The NWS advises those living or working in low-lying or flood-prone areas to take precautions to avoid or limit storm-related damage.
Though the rain may cool things off for a while, the relief won’t last very long. Queens is gripped in this summer’s first big stretch of hazy, hot and humid summer weather, with temperatures forecast to reach the 90s both today and tomorrow.
In addition to the flash flood watch today, the NWS issued a heat advisory in effect through 7 p.m. Friday. An air quality advisory is also in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday night due to elevated pollution levels caused by the hot, humid temperatures.
Not only is it uncomfortable for anyone venturing outside, it’s also dangerous to children, the elderly and those with major health conditions such as asthma or heart disease. The city advises residents to stay indoors in air conditioned environments as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity. Cooling centers across the city are also open for those who don’t have air conditioning; call 311 to find out where to go.
