Blistering Heat Blankets LI: See What's In Store For Week Ahead

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders have been blanketed by a blast of blistering heat during the early part of the week: According to the National Weather Service, an extreme heat warning is in effect for Nassau County and western Suffolk County Tuesday.

That means heat index values will make it feel as though it's up to 105 degrees, the NWS said.

Eastern Suffolk is under a heat advisory, Bryan Ramsey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said. 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.

The conditions for a heat advisory have been met across Long Island for Monday and Tuesday and will continue into Wednesday, Ramsey said.

On Tuesday, temperatures were "sitting in the upper 90s across Long Island," with that heat index making it feel about 105 in some areas, Ramsey added.

However, he said, sea breeze is starting to move in, with some areas cooling down a bit Tuesday afternoon.

Overnight, temperatures will remain "very warm," in the upper 70s to low 80s, and then on Wednesday, will spike back up to steamy, with heat index values making it feel about 95 to 100 degrees across all of Long Island, Ramsey said.

Long Island will remain "well within" the heat advisory criteria Wednesday but the extreme heat warning is not expected to be triggered, Ramsey said.

And then, on Thursday, relief, Ramsey said. A front is expected to move through, possibly bringing an isolated thunderstorm Wednesday and then, a "significant cooldown" Thursday, with temperatures dropping to the mid-to-low 70s.

"Everyone will notice it," he said.

The front from the north will bring cloud cover and the chance of rain Thursday, as well as east and northeast winds that will bring in cooler marine air, Ramsey said.

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

The NWS advised residents to 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 9 1 1.