Riverhead Beach Hours Extended, Outdoor Programs Canceled, Due To Heat

RIVERHEAD, NY — Soaring temps and humidity have led Riverhead Town officials to extend beach hours and cancel outdoor programs, as well as open a cooling center.

According to the National Weather Service, a heat advisory — with a heat index making it feel about 100 degrees — is in effect through Tuesday night.

After consultation with the chief of police and recreation superintendent, as a result of excessive heat and higher than usual heat index, Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard announced that hours of operation at all town beaches, including South Jamesport, Iron Pier, Wading River and Reeve’s Beach, will be extended to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

In addition, all outdoor recreation activities and programs - except swim lesson (in-water) and summer camp (moved indoors), previously scheduled through the recreation department for the afternoon of Monday and all-day Tuesday have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Residents are encouraged to remain indoors in air-conditioned areas or outside in shaded environments and to limit outdoor activity during the heat of the day, he said.

The Riverhead Senior Center, located on Shade Tree Lane in Aquebogue, will be open as a cooling center until 4:30 p.m. Monday and will reopen Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Those in need of assistance due to the heat should call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.