You may want to avoid going outdoors today as New York City is baking under dangerous heat, with real feel temperatures soaring to 110º in some neighborhoods. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the entire metro area, warning of smothering humidity, poor air quality, and the risk of severe thunderstorms just in time for the evening commute.
Several weather advisories are in effect for the New York City area. Here’s what to expect and when conditions will finally cool down:
Extreme Heat Warning In Effect
Temperatures are expected to soar well into the 90s this afternoon, but it will feel significantly hotter due to tropical humidity levels. Dew points teetering around 70º will shoot the heat index above 105º, with some areas feeling very stuffy and closer to 110º. The worst of the heat is on track to hit between 1 pm and 5 pm, making it potentially dangerous to be outdoors for extended periods.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for all five boroughs, in effect from 10 am to 9 pm Friday. Residents are urged to avoid strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable groups including seniors, young children, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
The Dangers Of This
NBC writes that today’s intense heat and humidity make it hard for the body to stay cool. Under normal conditions, we sweat to release heat–evaporation helps lower our skin temperature. But when the air is this humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, trapping heat and causing body temperature to rise dangerously fast.
Air Quality Alert Also Issued
In addition to the heat, an air quality alert is in place across NYC from 11 am to 11 pm due to elevated ozone levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to exceed 100, making conditions unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease.
Health officials recommend staying indoors during peak hours and avoiding outdoor workouts.
Severe Storms Possible During Evening Commute
A cold front moving into the region could trigger strong to severe thunderstorms after lunchtime between 4 pm and 7 pm–just in time for the peak evening commute. Meteorologists are warning of potential damaging wind gusts, downpours, flash flooding, and lightning. Commuters are urged to monitor updates and prepare for travel delays.
Storms should clear by late evening, but high humidity will linger into the night, keeping temperatures in the upper 70s.
When Will It Cool Down?
Thankfully, today’s sweltering heat won’t be here for long as relief is on the way this weekend. Saturday will bring slightly cooler temps with highs in the low 80s as well as lower humidity.
However, another round of storms is likely Sunday afternoon, and the sticky air will return by early next week, with highs climbing right back up into the 90s. If you have outdoor plans on Sunday, you may want to rethink them!
Stay Updated
For the most up to date emergency alerts, subscribe to NotifyNYC, the city’s free emergency alerts system. You can also text 692-692 using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive alerts across all the five boroughs.
NYC residents are urged to use cooling centers and water sprayers if needed and avoid peak sun hours.
Stay cool, stay safe, and keep an umbrella handy for the ride home!