An extreme heat warning is in effect for the New York City metro region through 9 p.m. Friday, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 112 degrees, the National Weather Service said, according to reporting by RiverheadLOCAL. A separate air quality health advisory is also in effect Thursday for the Long Island and NYC Metro regions, where ground-level ozone levels are expected to make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The heat warning runs two days. Thursday and Friday are the most dangerous window, with the National Weather Service warning of “dangerously hot conditions,” per RiverheadLOCAL. An extreme heat watch is separately in effect for Saturday, when heat index values could reach 103 degrees.
The ozone advisory is a separate health risk. Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted by cars or industry but forms when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as cited by RiverheadLOCAL. Because it builds through the day, ozone levels are typically highest during the afternoon and early evening. It is a colorless gas, so you will not necessarily see it, though high concentrations produce hazy skies. The air quality index Thursday is expected to reach 101 in the Long Island region, RiverheadLOCAL reported.
People with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, including asthma, are at heightened risk from the ozone. So are young children, the elderly, and anyone who exercises or does vigorous work outdoors, according to RiverheadLOCAL. They should consider limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and early evening hours, when ozone levels peak. Going indoors usually reduces exposure. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting a doctor, per the advisory.
The National Weather Service advised rescheduling strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening when possible, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and drinking plenty of water, as reported by RiverheadLOCAL. Seniors and people with chronic health or mental health conditions face increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be significantly hotter than outdoor temperatures.
Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The National Weather Service has more information on recognizing heat illness symptoms at weather.gov/safety/heat-illness.
In Riverhead, the Town of Riverhead opened its senior center at 60 Shade Tree Lane as a cooling center Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to RiverheadLOCAL.
Featured image: Bushwick Daily image
