Heatwave Grips New York City and Northeastern New Jersey; Excessive Heat Warning Remains in Effect
Residents of New York City and northeast New Jersey are facing scorching temperatures as they step outside on Friday. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the area, which will be in effect until 9 p.m.
Forecasters predict that temperatures in the region covered by the warning will rise into the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit for a second consecutive day. With the heat index expected to reach as high as 110 degrees, residents are warned to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, especially those who work or participate in outdoor activities.
While New York City remains under an excessive heat warning, other parts of the metropolitan region, including Long Island, southern Connecticut, the lower Hudson Valley, and northwestern New Jersey, are under a heat advisory until Saturday evening.
A heat advisory indicates potentially dangerous conditions for older and vulnerable individuals, while an excessive heat warning implies that anyone may be at risk.
The intense heat that has currently enveloped New York City and the Northeast has already plagued other parts of the United States for over a month. Its arrival in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states means that as many as 118 million Americans, more than one-third of the country’s population, could face dangerously high levels of heat on Friday.
Although New Yorkers are accustomed to sweltering summers, the current heatwave is somewhat exceptional. According to Dominic Ramunni, a meteorologist at the Weather Service’s New York City office, the last time the service issued an excessive heat warning for the area was in August 2021. The stifling heat and humidity are expected to persist until Saturday evening, when thunderstorms are predicted to move through.
Newark, New Jersey, experienced the highest temperatures in the area on Thursday, reaching 96 degrees with a heat index of 107 just before 4 p.m. Meanwhile, Central Park in New York City registered a maximum temperature of 92 degrees with a heat index of 99.
In response to the heatwave, Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials have offered guidance to residents seeking relief. They recommend utilizing public swimming pools, drinking fountains, splash pads, and shady parks. The city’s pools, which open at 11 a.m., will operate an extra hour until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
As residents brace for the unrelenting heatwave, it is crucial to stay hydrated, seek shade, and refrain from prolonged exposure to the sun. The authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme weather.