NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Just as the summer solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures in New York City are ramping up as extreme heat is expected to envelope the state early next week.
An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect west of the city from 8 a.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, while the National Weather Service is forecasting that major to extreme heat-related impacts are possible as early as Sunday through at least Wednesday across New York.
“The number one cause of weather-related death is extreme heat, but preparation, communication and other precautions can save lives,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said, noting that extra workers would be out in droves to help mitigate the impacts of the heat wave.
The state Department of Health is sending guides on handling the heat to all hospitals and nursing homes, and a map of cooling centers in all communities across New York is available on its website.
More than 5,500 utility workers are on standby in case of power outages as New Yorkers crank up their air conditioning, and mass transit will have extra workers to make sure things run smoothly. Every subway rail car and bus in NYC will be inspected to ensure it has functioning air conditioning, Hochul said.
“Given the cooler weather we’ve had lately, this is going to be a real shock to the system,” Hochul said. “So we’re facing four to five straight days of blistering hot heat, that’s why preparation, communication and other precautions can save lives.”
The summer solstice is Friday, during which temperatures will reach a high of 85 before they begin to climb over the weekend, AccuWeather said.
There will be more sun than clouds with low humidity, though some areas (especially north and west of the city) could have a late afternoon or early evening thunderstorm. Patchy clouds will accompany the overnight low of 71.
Saturday’s high will hit 88 amid sunshine, some clouds and some afternoon humidity—all of which will be ramped up on Sunday, AccuWeather said. The high will top out at 92 with AccuWeather RealFeel temperatures in the upper 90s, as more heat, more sunshine and more humidity hits the city.
Both Monday and Tuesday will be extremely hot and humid, with highs near or above the NYC record of 96, set both days during a heat wave in 1888.
Coinciding with the potential record high on Tuesday is the Democratic Primary, and voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting this weekend to avoid standing in the heat while still ensuring their voices are heard.
“We want people to get out and vote. But guess what? It’s going to [feel like] 100 degrees on that day,” Hochul said. “So, you don’t have to stand in line in the sweltering heat on that day to cast your vote. That’s why voting early is such an incredibly important option this year.”
New York City voters can find their polling location, early voting dates and hours on the Board of Elections website.