Hello Heat: Hudson Valley Temps Could Reach 90s

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — From a cool spring to a hot summer, that's where we've moved. Did you notice how hot the sun was once it came out Tuesday? Here are the details, plus some tips for staying cool.

We'll have temperatures in the middle to upper 80s on Wednesday, but feel hotter. Then, Thursday and Friday, temps will climb even higher — as will the humidity. Plus, air quality will decline.

"Many cities will be thrust into 90-degree Fahrenheit temperatures and the year’s first heat wave this week," said Kyle Elliott, AccuWeather meteorologist.

Because there has been a lack of heat across the region so far this year, many people’s bodies have not yet acclimated to the higher temperatures and can succumb to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke more quickly than during the latter half of the summer, Elliott said.

Even though you may be in shock — after all, two days ago the high was 70 degrees — take common sense steps to keep your spending and energy use from exploding.

Did you know that adjusting your air conditioner’s fan to a low setting can make you more comfortable? Sure it’ll take longer for the air conditioner to cool your home, but your unit will bring in steamy air at a slower rate.

Check out these other tips: http://bcove.me/k6m1zxe9

Here are more cool tips from O&R:

• If you have already received a new smart meter, you can take advantage of viewing your detailed energy usage and customized energy savings tips located in your online account at oru.com.
• Cooking, baking or other household activities that produce heat and humidity are best left for the cooler times of the day and night.
• Covering liquid items in the refrigerator is best. The humidity they give off forces the refrigerator to use more energy.
• Placing the most used items in one place in the refrigerator helps keep the door open for a shorter period of time.

Con Edison recommends that customers also take these steps:

• Turn off air conditioners, lights and other appliances when not at home and use a timer to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home;
• Make sure air conditioner filters are clean so the units will run at peak efficiency;
• Set thermostats to the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent;
• If you have a room air-conditioning unit, close off the rooms not being used; if you have central air, block the vents in un-used or vacant rooms;
• Use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible;
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat in your apartment or home;
• Try using fans instead of air conditioners, but be sure to leave your windows open for ventilation. Fans use as little as one-tenth the energy as air conditioners.