A heatwave is heading straight for New York and New Jersey to cap off this last week before the World Cup takes over the metro area.
Before Saturday’s kickoff at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, just under 8 miles northwest of Midtown, severe weather will strike the Tri-state area, with the National Weather Service’s heat advisory in effect from noon Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday.
“Extreme heat poses a huge risk if not taken seriously,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday. “This week, the World Cup kicks off, and as New Yorkers make plans to watch the first match, it is critical to factor in a plan for severe heat: Plan ahead and stay hydrated, check in with elderly neighbors and know where your nearby cooling centers are during the next few days.”
People cross the Brooklyn Bridge on a hot day in New York City on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Theodore Parisienne for New York Daily News)
The extreme weather is even riskier for seniors and those who suffer from chronic health problems, including mental health conditions. And residences lacking air conditioning can prove “much hotter” than outside, according to the NWS. Those who don’t have AC are advised to find somewhere that does or at least retreat to “cool spaces” as long as the heat endures, and — if their home remains hot — to do so for the days following the heatwave.
New Yorkers should call 311 to find cooling centers as well as additional information for how to safely get through the heat.
Frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning are advised for those working outside during the next two days.
At the time of publication, NWS forecasts Thursday’s midday heat index will hit 93 degrees, increasing to 96 by 3 p.m.
The heat index will hover at 92 around 6 p.m., just as intermittent clouds and partly sunny weather give way to thunderstorms, which will also occur at 9, lowering the heat index to 84.
A vendor outside City Hall in Manhattan is well stocked with water on a hot day in New York City on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Theodore Parisienne for New York Daily News)
The heat index will be in the 70s early Friday, before jumping back to the mid-80s as the workday gets underway, ultimately skyrocketing to 94 by 1 p.m.
The heat index will peak at 96 around 2 p.m., before dipping to lower 90s and then the mid-to-high eighties by the time an early evening thunderstorm hits around 7 p.m. The heat index will again hop up to 88 at 8 p.m., just as the advisory ends, and, after a 10 p.m. storm, will lower to the high 70s by 11.
That return to late spring form will arrive just in time for 6 p.m. Saturday, when Brazil and Morocco face off during the first World Cup match at MetLife — temporarily changing its name for the FIFA festivities to New York New Jersey Stadium.
Thankfully, Saturday is currently expected to have a high of 88 degrees and a low of 71, with the forecast reading, “Mostly sunny, very warm and less humid.”
Heat exhaustion symptoms can include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, lightheadedness or headache, loss of appetite or nausea, according to New York City Emergency Management.
Anyone suffering from heat stroke, which can be fatal, is advised to call 911. Symptoms can include hot and dry skin, confusion, hallucination and disorientation, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, fast or strong pulse, weakness or dizziness.