A heat wave is arriving in New York State on Tuesday, with heat index temperatures in New York City forecast at 85 to 95 degrees and conditions expected to intensify Wednesday and Thursday, when parts of the state could reach 110 degrees, according to Westchester Hispano.
Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for extreme heat ahead of Tuesday. Extreme heat advisories are currently active for New York City along with the Capital Region, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the United States, the New York State Department of Health warns. Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash. People with heart or lung conditions including asthma, young children, older adults, and anyone doing strenuous work or exercise outdoors are at the greatest risk. The department advises those groups to limit outdoor activities when ozone levels are elevated, generally from the afternoon until dusk.
State officials say never leave a child alone in a vehicle during hot weather, even with windows cracked. If you see a child inside a hot car, call 911 immediately and follow instructions. Signs of heat stroke in a child: absent sweating, confusion, disorientation, flushed skin, loss of alertness, loss of consciousness, and rapid shallow breathing.
Pets face the same risks. According to the ASPCA, young, overweight, or elderly animals and those with short snouts or thick or dark fur are at the highest risk of heat stroke. Parking in shade or leaving water inside the car will not prevent the pet from overheating. Signs to watch for in a pet: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and difficulty walking.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is extending hours at swimming facilities through Friday, July 3. In New York City, the spray pad at Gantry Plaza State Park will run Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is running multiple sessions those same days: indoor and outdoor pools from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m., senior swim from 9 to 11 a.m., and recreational swim open to all ages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 3 to 7 p.m.
Availability at any location can change based on weather, water conditions, or staffing. Check parks.ny.gov or call the park directly before heading out.
Featured image: Bushwick Daily image
