High Heat, Bad Air: Advisories Issued for Rockland, Westchester

NORTHERN WESTCHESTER, NY — The National Weather Service has issued three notices for Wednesday.

• Air Quality Alert
• Heat Advisory in effect from July 19, 11:00 AM EDT until July 20, 06:00 PM EDT
• Hazardous Weather Outlook

The Heat Advisory warns that by this afternoon, it'll feel as if temps are in the upper 90s. It is in effect from 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT Thursday.

* Heat Index Values...In the upper 90s.

* Timing...Through Thursday Afternoon. The highest heat index values will occur mainly during the afternoons.

* Impacts...The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

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.

The NWS explains the forecast:

Southwest winds circulating around an offshore high pressure system will continue to transport hot, humid, and unstable maritime tropical air across the region.

Temperatures reaching the lower 90s combined with moderate humidity will produce heat index values in the mid to upper 90s today and in the low to mid 90s on Thursday. Overnight lows in the 70s are forecast.

There is a slight chance of a few heavy showers and thunderstorms along the coast where sea breezes develop late this morning and early afternoon, then inland, mainly west and north of New York City later this afternoon.

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