Long Beach sunbathers cool off at the shore on a recent hot day. (Joseph Abate)
Summer is hitting Long Island with a bang Wednesday, bringing with it a heat advisory, temperatures in the 90s and an air quality alert.
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The National Weather Service said that a large area of high pressure will usher in high temperatures in the 90s for both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The high temperatures are forecast to stick around for Thursday and Friday. A heat wave is when there are three consecutive day with temperatures above 90 degrees.
In Nassau County, a heat advisory is in effect from noon Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday. During this time the NWS expects heat index values of 100 to 105. A heat advisory is issued with the combination of heat and humidity makes it feel like it is 100 to 104 degrees for two consecutive hours.
The NWS advises residents to take extra precautions if they are spending an extended amount of time outside, and to reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening when possible. People should know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, wear light, loose fitting clothing and drink plenty of water.
An air quality alert is also issued for the area, as air quality levels are expected to be greater than 100 on the Air Quality Index scale. The AQI measures the levels for different pollutants.
The New York State Department of Health also advises residents to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity. Those especially sensitive to ground pollutants include the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions.
The MTA issued a statement saying that it is preparing for the extreme heat and any threat of disruptions to services it may bring. Severe heat can affect subway and train signals and overhead power lines.
Elevator and escalator service may also be reduced to cut energy consumption. The MTA urges customers to monitor the “Current Service Status” box on the MTA homepage and plan trips accordingly.
Suffolk County officials extended Smith Point County Park lifeguard hours to 7 p.m. from the usual 5:30 p.m. to help residents beat the heat at Fire Island’s easternmost public beach in Shirley.
