SOUPY SUMMER: How high humidity has impacted this summer so far

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It is no secret that this summer has been a hot one so far. Yet the first thing many New Yorkers bring up is the humidity. Even cooler weather still feels like "air you can wear" because of the high humidity. That makes it feel uncomfortable and "soupy" from the moment people step out the door. These stretches of high humidity have been impacting people's day-to-day lives, particularly health-wise. High levels of humidity are correlated with reduced air quality, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The humid air does not circulate as well, causing more stagnant and polluted air. For people with respiratory concerns, including asthma and other chronic health conditions, the poor air quality can cause shortness of breath and asthmatic symptoms, especially if a person is outside for long stretches or performing physical activities. Many people are limiting their time outside for physical activities during the humid weather. The same health concerns can appear even in healthy people from the high humidity if overexerting during any outdoor exercise. Leisurely picnic and beach days are also less comfortable. When the heat combines with the high humidity - something that's been common in 2024 - it can cause many people to seek air conditioning more often than in previous years. Electricity bills will likely rise and continue to be high as the hot and humid weather pattern will likely remain across the tri-state area through most of this summer. A typical mid-July afternoon has a high temperature of 85 degrees, but high levels of humidity commonly seen so far this summer, that same 85 feels like 90 degrees, and that effect is magnified the hotter it gets. An actual temperature of 100 degrees feels like nearly 110 degrees, which is very dangerous. To put the statistics behind the humidity into perspective, June 2024 had the second-hottest average feels-like temperature on record for Islip. The combination of the heat and humidity has been brutal not even halfway through the summer, and the long-range forecast hints at more of the same. Stick with News 12 and the Storm Watch Team as we will continue to provide the most hyper-local forecast with weather safety tips all summer long. "