New York City’s dangerous heat wave is expected to continue through Saturday, July 4, before cooler air arrives Sunday.
The National Weather Service has an extreme heat warning in effect for New York City and much of the surrounding metro area until 9 p.m. Saturday. High temperatures are expected to range from 97 to 102 degrees, with heat index values — what it feels like with humidity — between 105 and 115 degrees.
Relief is expected to arrive Sunday, July 5, when showers and thunderstorms move through the region. High temperatures are forecast to fall to about 86 degrees, ending the stretch of triple-digit heat index values.
Heat wave shatters temperature records
The current heat wave is the first major one of the year and comes during one of New York’s busiest Independence Day weekends.
On Thursday, July 2, Central Park reached 100 degrees for the first time since 2012, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say overnight temperatures will remain warm through Saturday, offering little relief from the daytime heat.
Air quality alert remains in effect Friday
An air quality alert is in effect Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for:
Ground-level ozone is expected to push the Air Quality Index above 100, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with heart or lung disease.
How to stay safe until temperatures cool
Health officials recommend:
Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings or cooling centers.
Keep windows and doors closed if air quality worsens.
Run air conditioning on the recirculate setting with a high-efficiency filter.
Avoid activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as frying food or burning candles.
Officials note that homes without air conditioning can become significantly hotter than the outside temperature.
July 4 weekend forecast
Friday: High near 102. Heat index values could reach 109. A chance of evening thunderstorms. Low around 82.
Saturday: High near 97 with heat index values around 102. A chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Low around 76.
Sunday: High near 86 with scattered showers and thunderstorms, marking the end of the heat wave. Overnight low around 71.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: When will New York’s heat wave end? Here’s when cooler weather arrives