Another heat wave blankets the NYC region, air quality advisory in effect

Here we go again: It’s going to be hot and humid in the New York City area as the week begins, with real-feel temperatures expected to reach the triple digits in some places.

Southern New York and nearby parts of Connecticut and New Jersey are under a heat advisory from Monday through 10 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service — and the advisory could be extended into Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast to hover in the mid-to-high 90s as the heat index, which accounts for humidity, could exceed 100 degrees.

“For Central Park, we are looking at 95 today, 98 Tuesday and 94 Wednesday, so we are looking at a potential heat wave here,” said meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki from NWS, which issues heat advisories when the combination of heat and humidity makes temperatures feel hotter than 95 degrees for at least two consecutive days.

“If you're going to be outside working or walking or exercising, we want you to always stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade,” he added. “If you're elderly, stay indoors, if you're sick. Check on people that don't have air conditioning units. Don't forget about your pets.”

New York City Emergency Management encourages people to monitor for signs of heat stroke and call 911 if they feel confused, disoriented, nauseous, weak or dizzy, or have trouble breathing or a fast, strong pulse. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold or clammy skin, lightheadedness, vomiting, muscle cramps, headaches or lack of appetite.

About 350 people are estimated to die from heat-related illness in New York City every year, according to NYCEM. City data shows heat-related hospitalizations this season peaked at 51 on June 21 during a previous heat wave, followed by 40 such hospitalizations the next day.

“Do not underestimate the heat,” Mayor Eric Adams said on Monday at a press conference on the heat wave. He urged those without air conditioning to seek relief at one of the city’s designated cooling centers , some of which can also accommodate pets .

The city will extend hours at Olympic- and intermediate-sized swimming pools by an additional hour, to 8 p.m., officials said. Smaller pools will maintain regular hours and close at 7 p.m.

Adams did not announce longer lifeguard hours at city beaches, a move that some elected officials have called for after four local drownings just a few weeks into this summer.

Zach Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, said the city will instead deploy a team of police, fire and emergency medical staff to spend extra time patrolling the beaches after hours. He instructed New Yorkers not to enter the ocean after 6 p.m.

“People should not be swimming without lifeguards out there,” said Iscol.

The city has struggled with a lifeguard shortage for years. As of Monday morning, there were about 900 total lifeguards at city pools and beaches, according to Meghan Lalor, a spokesperson for the parks department.

That’s well short of the 1,500 lifeguards that officials have said they need for full staffing. At the press conference, Adams said more lifeguards were being added this month.

Energy use during the current heat wave is anticipated to soar as New Yorkers crank up their air conditioners. Con Edison is asking residents to use high-energy appliances, such as dryers and dishwashers, only during non-peak hours — before 2 p.m. or after 10 p.m.

“This level of heat, humidity and power for air conditioning will stress the electric grid ,” said Jamie Brennan, vice president of electric operations at Con Edison.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for ozone for the New York City metro area and Long Island from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, citing concerns for vulnerable groups, including older adults and people with breathing issues.

According to DEC, summer heat can cause ozone to accumulate at ground level, as sunlight reacts chemically with nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds that come from vehicle exhaust and out-of-state pollutants. The result is unhealthy air, especially for people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

This story has been updated with additional information from the Adams administration and to clarify a quote from Brian Ciemnecki.