Blistering Temps Spark Heat Advisory Across Long Island: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Baby, it's hot outside: The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory across Long Island from 11 a.m. Wednesday until 10 p.m. Thursday.

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.

High temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, the NWS said.

In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Wednesday across the Long Island region; the pollutant of concern is ozone.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advised that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise outdoors, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days. If you experience eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, or chest pain, contact a medical provider, Pigott said.

Ozone is the principal component of the mixture of air pollutants known as "smog," that is produced from the action of sunlight on air contaminants from automobile exhausts and other sources. Ozone levels are most likely to be elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days.

The NWS also said that seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk due to the blistering heat. 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.

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, call 911.