Stifling Heat Continues Through Saturday

The heatwave that has engulfed the area is not over.

Some relief may be on the way this weekend, but officials have issued a hazardous weather outlook for Friday including an excessive heat warning, in effect from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and an air quality alert in effect from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.

An excessive heat warning is issued when the combination of heat and humidity makes it feel like 105 degrees or greater, according to National Weather Service officials. Air quality alerts means that ground level ozone levels within the region may meet or exceed unhealthy standards, according to the National Weather Service.

Here's their forecast on what to expect the next few days:

Friday the sun will heat up New Rochelle to a scorching 102 degrees; heat index values will make it feel as high as 109. Friday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 78.

We could see some rain on Saturday. There's a 20 percent chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Otherwise, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 98; heat index values will make it feel as high as 101. Lows will drop to 76 degrees overnight to Sunday. The highs should be near 91 on Sunday, with a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms before noon.

When there are heat and air quality warnings, certain precautions should be taken, according to the American Red Cross.

We've got their latest tips for heat safety here:

Heat Safety

Extreme heat and accompanying humidity can create a potentially life-threatening situation. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of heat distress and know how to take action. To view a list of “Stay Cool Locations” in Westchester County, visit this website.

Heat cramps

Symptoms: Painful, prolonged muscle cramps, often brought on with strenuous activity. Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes. 

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness. Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water. You can also apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke

Symptoms: Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Treatment: This is a life-threatening condition. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.

Cooling Centers

Here's a list of cooling centers with their hours of operations in lower Westchester County: http://patch.com/A-kz7c.