NYC Weather Forecast: Heat Wave Moves In, Causes Air Quality Fears

NEW YORK, NY — Anyone tired of the unseasonably cool weather we've had for much of May so far is in for a lot of relief, in the form of a heat wave that will bring temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above the average temperature for this time of year.

Temperatures in the mid to high 80s — and getting close to hitting 90 on the mercury — will be rolling in starting Wednesday, in the first big round of hot weather for New York City this year.

As the temperatures climb, the National Weather Service has also issued an "Air Quality Alert" in the five boroughs, telling people who are especially sensitive to air pollutants, such as infants and people with respiratory problems, to stay indoors.

The services also recommends "that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects." The alert is in effect from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Wednesday.

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Temperatures Wednesday were expected to hit 87 by the mid-afternoon and near 90 on Thursday. For reference, the average high in Central Park during mid-May is around 71 or 72 degrees.

Check out the hour-by-hour forecast for Wednesday, courtesy of darksky.net, with a look at the rest of the week below that.

SEE ALSO: NYC Heat Wave Brings Sunbathers To City Parks (360 Degree Video)

May 17 Hourly Forecast for New York City

Partly cloudy starting tonight.

7am - Clear, 63°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 3 mph from the WSW.

8am - Clear, 66°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 4 mph from the SW.

9am - Clear, 69°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 5 mph from the SW.

10am - Clear, 73°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 6 mph from the SW.

11am - Clear, 76°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 6 mph from the SW.

12pm - Clear, 80°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 7 mph from the SW.

1pm - Clear, 83°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 9 mph from the SW.

2pm - Clear, 86°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 10 mph from the SW.

3pm - Clear, 87°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 10 mph from the SW.

4pm - Clear, 86°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 10 mph from the SW.

5pm - Clear, 85°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 10 mph from the SW.

6pm - Clear, 84°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 10 mph from the SW.

7pm - Clear, 81°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 9 mph from the SSW.

8pm - Clear, 79°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 7 mph from the SSW.

9pm - Clear, 77°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 7 mph from the SSW.

10pm - Partly Cloudy, 76°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 7 mph from the SSW.

11pm - Partly Cloudy, 75°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 8 mph from the SSW.

12am - Partly Cloudy, 75°

Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 7 mph from the SW.

Here's what the week's forecast looks like, via the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 10 to 14 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 67.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Image: Ramin Talaie / Getty Images News / Getty Images