Updated Thursday 7:38 a.m. A heat advisory remains in effect for all of Nassau County and portions of Western Suffolk County, with a scorching heat index making it feel as though temperatures are betweeen 100 and 102 degrees, according to the National Weather Service office in Upton.
A heat advisory is called when humidity pushes the heat index above 100 degrees for at least two consecutive hours.
The heat advisory will remain in effect on Thursday until 7 p.m. An Air Quality Alert is still in effect for those regions as well as the East End of Long Island.
No heat advisory has been issued for the East End, however, but the heat index is still expected to hover between 95 and 98 degrees. "It's going to be hot and muggy," said Lauren Nash, meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Upton.
Updated, 3:05 p.m. – The National Weather Service on Wednesday afternoon issued a heat advisory for all of Nassau and portions of Western Suffolk County. The weather service said it expects the heat index to top out at 104 degrees for Wendesday afternoon and early evening and into Thursday afternoon and early evening.
A heat advisory is called when humidity pushes the heat index above 100 degrees for at least two consecutive hours.
Original story
A scorching summer solstice might , but the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking locals to stay safe in the brutal heat and ozone-rich air.
The DEC has issued an air quality alert for Long Island and most of the state due to an expected boost in pollutants such as ozone or fine particulate matter due to the high temperatures and humidity. Automobile smog from Long Island's congested roadways could be one of the biggest dangers in the heat, the DEC said.
Temperatures across Long Island are expected to pass 90 degrees on Wednesday, but the humidity will make it feel more like 100 degrees and above.
The DEC said people should refrain from strenuous outdoor activity and keep close watch on small children, who can be more susceptible to negative effects of ground-level ozone exposure.
The organization also offers the following tips.
• Use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities
• Conserve fuel and cut exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips
• Turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas
• Use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees
• Close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air
• Limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters
• Set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures
• Purchase and install energy-efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label
• Reduce or refrain from burning and attempt to minimize indoor smoking.
