New York City’s first heat wave of the year will happen this week, bringing intense and dangerous temperatures leading into the Fourth of July weekend.
Temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Records show that hasn’t happened in Central Park since July 2012.
Not helping matters: Humidity will push “feels like” temps into the 105-110 range.
The heat index, which factors in humidity and is included on many weather forecasts, provides a sense of how hot it really feels — and this week’s heat indexes will be dangerous, if not deadly, to people with prolonged exposure or undergoing strenuous activity.
Extreme heat watches have already been issued for much of the tri-state area. The extreme heat will begin Wednesday, though Thursday and Friday will probably be the hottest days.
Weather alerts may expand and intensify over the next 48 hours. Check the latest ones for your neighborhood here.
A large dome of high pressure will extend from Texas and Florida north to the Great Lakes and Northeast. That dome promotes stable air, lots of sunshine, and traps heat near the ground. The impacts will be felt well into the weekend, including on the 4th of July.
The air will feel tropical, and that humidity will send the heat index into the triple digits. Thursday and Friday will probably be the most extreme days, with only slight improvements by Saturday, July 4.
Along with the heat on July 4th, we also have a chance for storms that could impact your holiday plans.
To make sure the heat doesn’t get the best of you, stay hydrated throughout the week, dress in light, breathable clothing, and don’t spend much time outside. An air-conditioned space is your best solution, but if you must be outside, seek shade and keep your activity level to a minimum.
If you or someone around you is showing signs of heat exhaustion, get to a cool place, hydrate, and take steps to cool your body temperature. For potentially life-threatening heat stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately for emergency treatment.
The local weather concerns come as heat wave in France is overwhelming mortuaries in Paris and leaving families in distress. Deaths are in the thousands.
