New York City is bracing for dangerous heat through the Fourth of July, with temperatures potentially reaching triple digits.
What You Need To Know
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect Wednesday afternoon, followed by an Extreme Heat Watch through Saturday
Actual air temperatures could hit 100 degrees Thursday and Friday, which would be Central Park’s first official 100-degree day since 2012
Cooling centers will be open across the five boroughs, and officials urge New Yorkers to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and use air conditioning
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for noon through 9 p.m. on Wednesday, with an Extreme Heat Watch in effect Wednesday evening through Saturday evening.
Heat index values are expected to range from 105 to 110 degrees.
Actual air temperature could reach 100 degrees Thursday and Friday. If Central Park officially reaches that mark, it would be the first 100-degree day recorded there since 2012.
Overnight temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 70s and lower 80s through at least Friday night, offering little relief.
The city’s Emergency Management department said cooling centers will be open across the five boroughs for residents seeking relief from the dangerous heat. Click here or call 311 to find a nearby cooling center.
The hot weather is also triggering an Air Quality Alert through Tuesday night, with ozone pollution expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
New Yorkers are being urged to wear light clothing, limit time outdoors and use air conditioning if possible. Officials also recommend closing blinds and using fans to help keep homes cool.
Meanwhile, UV index values are expected to reach between 8 and 10 throughout the week. Health officials recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade whenever possible.
It’s possible that amid the heat, some scattered thunderstorms could develop Wednesday afternoon and evening. Those storms could be capable of producing damaging winds, hail and downpours.