Oppressive Heat, Humidity To Blanket LI Through Wednesday: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Oppressive heat and humidity are now expected to blanket Long Island through Wednesday night, the National Weather Service said.

According to Faye Morrone, meteorologist for the NWS office in Upton, a heat advisory has been extended until Wednesday at 9 p.m. across Long Island, except for parts of southeastern Suffolk County, which will be a bit cooler.

Temperatures for Tuesday are slated to range in the lower 90s, with the heat index expected to make it feel more like mid 90s to around 100 degrees, the NWS said. On Wednesday, temperatures will range from the mid-80s to 90s, with heat index values from the mid-90s to about 100 degrees, she said.

A chance of isolated thunderstorms exists for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a better chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and into Wednesday night, with the passage of a cold front through the area, the NWS said.

According to the NWS, hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. 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 NWS said.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures, the NWS said.

"Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don`t have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors," the NWS said.

In addition, 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. Heat stroke is an emergency. In cases of heat stroke, dial 911, the NWS said.