Bad Air, Heat Index Of 100+: Advisory Extended On Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — A heat advisory has been extended from Thursday morning into Saturday evening for Long Island, in addition to the issuing of an air quality alert, the National Weather Service said.

Beginning at 11 a.m., heat index values are expected to reach as high as 101 degrees.

The National Weather Service said a heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

The advisory was originally expected to end Friday at 9 p.m. However, as of Thursday morning, it will now end Saturday at 8 p.m.

In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said an air quality alert will go into effect from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Thursday.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of ground level ozone, the department said.

The New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.

Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

Thursday's high temperatures are the beginning of a heat wave hitting New York City, Accu Weather said. It will be the longest stretch of 90 degree temperatures the city has faced in nearly a decade.

Rain is predicted for Thursday night. Friday will also have heat index values as high as 100 degrees. The wave is predicted to end Saturday, with a high near 90 degrees.

Showers are also expected at night throughout the weekend.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk.

The service encourages all to use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

In cases of heat stroke, call 911, the service said.

Here is the weekend weather forecast for Long Island:

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 4 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 99. Breezy, with a southwest wind 16 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 6 to 14 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 100. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m.. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind 8 to 14 mph.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.