Hudson Valley Heat: Temps Rising, Dirty Air, Thunderstorms

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As heat and humidity arrive in the region, the air quality has worsened as well. Expected heat indices range from 95-105 in the Hudson Valley and ozone levels have risen.

High heat index values during the day followed by warm/muggy nights will increase the risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for sensitive populations including the very young and the elderly as well as anyone with chronic health conditions, the National Weather Service said.

Isolated thunderstorms will likely develop Tuesday afternoon in the higher terrain areas of the mid-Hudson. Some storms may become severe, producing damaging winds and heavy downpours

Across the Hudson Valley, ground ozone levels will be high enough to trigger an air pollution advisory from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

"Be sure to try and limit time outside this week...especially those who are especially susceptible to the heat and humidity. Avoid extended time in direct sunlight, and be sure to drink plenty of water. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sneak up on you quickly in these conditions... especially when it's the first significant heat event of the year," the folks at Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook.

The heat won't go away soon. The National Weather Service has extended its advisory for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester counties from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday. Heat index values of 95-100 expected during the afternoon and early evening each day.

Temperatures trend a bit cooler by Friday, especially north of I-90, but some areas in the Mid
Hudson Valley may see dangerous heat persist into the weekend, the NWS said.

There is also a chance for thunderstorms each afternoon and evening Thursday through
Monday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul activated New York State's Emergency Operations Center due to the record temperatures possible in Western, Central, Northern New York, and the Capital Region.

Temperatures are likely to peak today through Thursday but will linger in some places into the weekend. The “feels like” temperature values Friday will vary between the mid 70’s in the North Country with the potential to exceed 100 degrees in the Mid-Hudson region, state officials said.

Keeping Safe During Extreme Heat

Prepare in Advance

• Sign up for NY alerts that can come to your phone and email and other alerts offered in your local community.
• Create a family emergency plan and include a plan to stay cool.
• Install air conditioners and insulate around them, cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun, and set up fans to increase air flow.
• You may qualify for a free air conditioning unit. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide an air conditioning unit to income eligible households that include someone with a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat, or households with young children or older adults. Applications will continue to be accepted until funding runs out. For more information, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or contact your local office for the aging at 1-800-342-9871.

Heat Stroke and Exhaustion - Know the Symptoms and What to Do

• Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-related illness and is always an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or your loved one has a body temperature above 105°, a rapid pulse, confusion, rapid or shallow breathing, or loses consciousness. Try to cool the person quickly using a cool bath, fans and air conditioning while you wait for emergency responders.
• Heavy sweating, fainting, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, weakness and cold clammy skin can be indications of heat exhaustion, which can quickly escalate to heat stroke without prompt intervention. Individuals should be moved to a cool place, and cool wet cloths applied to the neck, face and arms.
• Heat cramps in the abdominal area or extremities can be treated by moving to a cool place, gently stretching the cramped muscle and drinking cool water.

What to Do During Extreme Heat

• Stay inside in the air conditioning if possible.
• If you don’t have access to air-conditioning within your home, open windows and shades on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool it down. It may also be cooler outside in the shade.
• Identify free locations areas in your neighborhood where you can go to stay cool such as a public library, pool, or mall. Find Cooling Centers in New York State and New York City.
• Drink plenty of fluids - preferably water.
• When working in the heat you should drink one cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 – 20 minutes. That translates to at least 24-32 ounces glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Drinking water at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.
• Take regular breaks from physical activity.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.

Never Leave Children and Pets Unsupervised in Hot Cars

There is a real and severe danger when leaving children or pets unsupervised in a car even when temperatures don’t “feel” hot. At 60 degrees outside, after just one hour a closed car can get as hot as 105 degrees.

Orange & Rockland Utilities offered tips for keeping an eye on your energy expenditures.

Turn down or turn off air conditioning in your home while you are away or at work to help

lower your energy bill.

Set your air conditioner to the highest temperature your comfort and health will allow to help
you save cooling money.

Close all doors and windows in your home while the air conditioning is running to make
things cooler at a lower price.

Cook, bake, or perform other household activities that produce heat and humidity during the
cooler times of the day and night.

Pull your curtains and shades closed to help block out the sun and the heat of the day.

Take advantage of your smart meter by viewing your energy usage and customized energy
savings tips located in your online account at oru.com/MyAccount.

Consider upgrading your older thermostats and appliances to ones that are more energy
efficient. Smart thermostats can control the temperature in your home from anywhere.You
can find customer-exclusive savings and rebates at MyORUStore.com

The heat, humidity, and increased demand for electricity to power air conditioners can pose
challenges to the electric delivery system, in some instances, overheating electrical equipment
and resulting in scattered power outages. O&R crews will be ready to respond to any, and all,
issues that arise to make repairs and restore service, company officials said.