Heat Rises on Long Island, Temps Nearing 100 Degrees [Weather Map]

A woman freshens her make-up as she cools her feet in the fountain New York's Columbus Circle, Thursday, July 21, 2011. New York City is roasting under a potentially dangerous brew of heat and humidity, as officials warn the elderly and chronically ill to find cool refuges.(AP Photo/Richard Drew)

The heat wave continues to burn up Long Island.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning that is in effect until 10 p.m. for Nassau and western Suffolk. Temperatures on Friday may approach 100 degrees, and heat index values are  expected to be as high as 105 to 110.

An air quality alert is also in effect for the metro area from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. The air quality index level is predicted to be greater than 100 for the pollutant of ground level ozone. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. Long Island also has a particulate matter (PM) pollution advisory.

The New York State Department of Transportation has declared Friday an Air Quality Action Day due to the high levels of ground-level ozone and PM pollution, and suggests that residents use their cars as little as possible.

Officials warn that the combination of heat and humidity could lead to dangerous heat illnesses.They suggest that those who work or spend time outside take extra precautions and try to schedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that outdoor workers take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.

Officials also recommend residents wear light weight and loose fitting clothing, stay out of the sun and up their fluids intake, and say that those especially vulnerable to the excessive heat and high pollutant levels are the young, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and low pulse rate, according to the Department of Health. Other symptoms may include cold pale and clammy skin or hot, flushed dry skin. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location.

Forecasters predict Saturday will remain hot with a high near 95 and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, but the heat wave will break by Sunday with a high near 88 degrees.

Cooling Centers:

Town of Hempstead Locations:
Expected Hours of Operation: Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., unless specified otherwise.

Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 N. Grand Ave., Baldwin, (516) 546-7110
Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore, (516) 221-9696
Cedarhurst Senior Center, 200 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst (516) 295-1177 (Open until 4:30 p.m.)
East Meadow Senior Center, 1485 Front Street, East Meadow, (516) 794-2458 (Open until 4:45 p.m.)
Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Rd., Elmont, (516) 354-4777
Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Pl. Franklin Square, (516) 328-3010
Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Rd., Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810
Levittown Senior Center, 555 N. Newbridge Rd., Levittown, (516) 433-5454
Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777 (Open until 4:45 p.m.)
Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Ave., Oceanside, (516) 766-8888
Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Tpke., Roosevelt (516) 867-1612
Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440
Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale (516) 292-1313
Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale (516) 538-5050

Freeport Location:
The Salvation Army, 66 Church Street, (516) 378-4557
(Open Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Rockville Centre Locations:
The Leonard S. Sandel Senior Center, 50 South Park Avenue, (516) 678-9350
(Open Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
The Anderson Recreation Center, 111 Oceanside Road (516) 678-9238
(Open Friday/Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Town of Oyster Bay Locations:
William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center, 28 Carl Street, Hicksville (516) 797-7900
(Open Friday/Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Town of North Hempstead Locations:
Clinton G. Martin Park, Marcus Avenue & New Hyde Park Rd., New Hyde Park, (516) 869-6311
(Open Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Charles J. Fuschillo Park, Carle Road at Broadmoor Lane, Carle Place, (516) 869-6311
(Open Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Town of Islip
Brentwood Senior Center: 16 2 Nd Ave, Brentwood (Opens Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Town of Riverhead
Senior and Human Resources Center: 60 Shade Tree Lane Aquebogue (closes at 4:30 p.m.)

Places to cool off: