NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Following a brief reprieve, the oppressive heat is back, along with the threat of severe thunderstorms.
It'll be dangerously hot and humid Wednesday and Thursday with heat index values of 105 degrees and higher possible.
An excessive heat warning is in effect on both days for New York City, southern portions of the Hudson Valley and parts of northeastern New Jersey. A heat advisory and excessive heat watch have also been issued for other parts of the Tri-State area.
An Air Quality Health Advisory is also in effect for the city, as well as Rockland and Westchester counties through 11 p.m.
"People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening)," the New York Department of Environmental Conservation said. "When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor."
More heat advisories and warnings are likely for Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe thunderstorms could drench parts of the region in the afternoons through the end of the week.
The city has opened cooling centers across the five boroughs at a time when indoor crowds raise concerns about rising rates of coronavirus, but City Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani tells WCBS 880, "We're quite comfortable that the cooling centers are a safe place to go especially for those folks that really need to cool off."
The city Parks Department has also extended its pool hours to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
Scrivani recommends New Yorkers check on their neighbors, especiall those who might be vulnerable to the heat, don't leave children or pets in parked cars during the intense heat, and seek immediate medical attention if they start to experience symptoms of health-related illness.
Notify NYC also sent out an advisory to residents urging them to conserve energy to avoid overwhelming the power network.
"Due to the intense heat, all households and businesses should limit energy usage to prevent power outages," the advisory read. "Please limit the use of washers, dryers, air conditioners, & other energy-intensive equipment, and turn off lights/televisions when not needed."
Con Edison said it is ready to respond to any service outages that may occur from increased demand and possible thunderstorms that could down power lines.
Public Service Electric & Gas is also ready to respond to any service interruptions in New Jersey.
Cooling centers are also open in Nassau County for the duration of the intense heat.
“We are bracing for the arrival of high temperatures that can become unbearable and dangerous for many of our residents,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “I encourage all residents to take precautions for themselves and their families and to visit one of our cooling centers if they need relief from the heat.”
Thursday will be hot and humid with a high of 94.
It'll be hot and sticky once again on Friday, with heavy thunderstorms possible late in the afternoon or evening.