Heat Index to Soar on Long Island, Air Quality Alert in Effect

Hello, heat wave.

Get in a pool. Crack up the AC. Pour ice over your head. Whatever it takes to stay cool because it’s going to be downright steamy on Long Island today and tomorrow.

High temperatures will approach or top 90 degrees on both days and the heat index–i.e. how hot it really feels–will soar into the mid-90s. It will be slightly “cooler” along the South Shore and on the East End, according to the National Weather Service.

It will be even hotter in New York City, where a heat advisory is in effect from noon Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

“If people have to be outdoors during the peak heating hours each day, they should take breaks in the shade or indoors if they are able to do so,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said. 

An air quality alert issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is also in effect for NYC and Long Island until 11 p.m. Tuesday. Health officials recommend that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects when an air quality alert is in effect.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.