Meteorologists weren’t kidding when they told us to expect one of the hottest summers of our lifetime–we’re just one month into summer yet we’re already approaching our third scorching heat wave of the season.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from today, Monday, July 15th, through 10 pm EST tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16th, with peak heat index values up to 103. They already noted how extending the advisory through Wednesday may be needed.
But this isn’t even the worst of it.
The New York Post writes that according to Fox Weather meteorologist Cody Braud, “a heat wave is invading up and down the East Coast and will have no mercy on the five boroughs, with the thermometer threatening to reach 99º Tuesday — and match a record set 25 years ago, on July 16, 1980.”
Plus, the real-feel temperature that day could hit 110º.
We’re not surprised to potentially be matching records, however, as NBC has reported that 2024 currently ranks as the hottest year on record (to date).
As for the rest of the week, temperatures will reach the mid-90s today with real-feel temperatures hitting 103º. And while temperatures on Wednesday won’t be as high, clocking in at the lower 90s, they’ll still feel close to 100º.
Braud added that by Thursday the heat will subside a bit with temperatures dropping down to the mid to high 80s.
Meteorologists over at NBC add that stray evening storms are possible through Tuesday, and Wednesday’s cold front may also bring with it a storm–potentially severe.
To put this week’s heat into perspective, average highs for this time of year in the city typically fall around 84º.
As always, hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, especially since on top of the Heat Advisory there’s also an Air Quality Alert in effect from 11 am through 11 pm today, Monday, July 15th.
New Yorkers are encouraged to look for ways to stay cool–we suggest heading to one of NYC’s cooling centers, beaches, or public pools.
Plus don’t forget that it’s totally legal to jump into NYC’s fountains when it’s hot out!