NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- The third heat wave of the summer is baking the New York City area this week, with temps set to soar above 90 degrees for days during stifling humidity.
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory through at least Tuesday night for most of the area, including all five boroughs of NYC. A swath of Central Jersey is under a more severe Excessive Heat Warning until at least Wednesday morning.
The first heat wave of the year in Central Park lasted four days, from June 20 to June 23. It was followed by another four-day heat wave from July 5 to July 8. A heat wave is three days or more of temps at 90 degrees or above.
The latest heat wave began Sunday, when the high in Central Park hit 90.
Highs in Central Park were forecasted to be 95 on Monday, 97 on Tuesday and 94 on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather. RealFeels are set to be between 100 and 105 degrees on all three days, as humidity stays elevated.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday warned New Yorkers to take precautions as the severe heat bears down across much of the state. "I encourage New Yorkers to stay hydrated, take advantage of free pool access at our beautiful State Parks, and plan ahead to cool off during this time," the governor said.
Speaking at the Emergency Response Center in Brooklyn on Monday, Mayor Eric Adams said the city has more than 500 cooling centers, including at libraries. Con Edison officials said they're ready to respond to issues with the grid, while the MTA will have "heat patrols" checking tracks, which can be affected by the heat. The NYPD, FDNY and Parks Department are also coordinating to monitor beaches after several drownings in recent weeks.
For New Yorkers looking to beat the heat, NYC has a map of cooling centers, as well as a map of places to hydrate, refresh and stay in the shade. For more, visit nyc.gov/beattheheat or call 311. Here's a list of beaches and outdoor pools in the city. State parks and beaches are also open, and state park pools are free this summer. Here are cooling centers in New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut.
In addition to the heat and humidity, thunderstorms will be in the area on Monday and Tuesday, mostly northwest of the city. They could produce damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours.
Wednesday is expected to be the stormiest day of the week in NYC, with forecasts showing thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening that may pack heavy rains, gusty winds and even hail.
Rain may linger in the morning on Thursday, which will otherwise be a much cooler day, with a high of 82 under partly cloudy skies in Central Park. Temps should stick to the low-to-mid 80s on Friday and Saturday.