Feels Like 100°: Heat Advisory Issued for Long Island
Long Island Heat Wave: What You Need to Know This Week
What’s Happening Right Now
Long Island is experiencing a stretch of very hot and humid weather. On Sunday, temperatures climbed close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s about 32 degrees Celsius). The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory to keep everyone safe.
IMPORTANT ALERT
The Heat Advisory was originally set to end Sunday at 7 p.m., but has been extended until Monday at 7 p.m. for Nassau County and western Suffolk County.
Day-by-Day Forecast
Monday
- Morning low: Around 72°F (22°C)
- Afternoon high: Around 88°F (31°C)
- Feels like: 95°F (35°C) because of humidity (this is called the "heat index")
- Sky: Sunny
- Evening: Good chance of showers and thunderstorms
Tuesday & Wednesday
- Highs: Mid to upper 80s°F (around 29-31°C)
- Sky: Mix of clouds and sun
- Rain chance: Low
Thursday
- Rain chance: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms early in the day
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
Meteorologist James Tomasini from the National Weather Service’s Upton office shared these important tips:
For Everyone:
- Drink plenty of water – even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Take breaks in the shade if you’re outside doing activities
- Drink beverages with electrolytes (like sports drinks) to replace what you lose through sweat
- Apply sunscreen every two hours
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
For Outdoor Workers:
- Take breaks as often as possible
- Find shade or air conditioning during breaks
- Watch for signs of heat illness in coworkers
Critical Safety Rule:
NEVER leave children or pets in vehicles – not even for a minute. Cars heat up dangerously fast, even with windows cracked.
Why This Matters
It’s been several days of this heat already. Your body gets more tired dealing with heat over time, which makes staying hydrated and taking breaks even more important than on the first hot day.
The "feels like" temperature (heat index) is higher than the actual temperature because humidity makes it harder for your sweat to evaporate – and evaporating sweat is how your body cools itself down.
Quick Checklist: Heat Safety
- [ ] Drink water regularly (set a timer if needed!)
- [ ] Have electrolyte drinks available
- [ ] Apply sunscreen before going out, reapply every 2 hours
- [ ] Wear light, loose clothing and a hat
- [ ] Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening
- [ ] Check on elderly neighbors or relatives
- [ ] Never leave kids or pets in cars
- [ ] Know the signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea
Summary
Long Island is in the middle of a multi-day heat wave with temperatures near 90°F and heat index values around 95°F. A Heat Advisory is in effect until Monday at 7 p.m. for Nassau and western Suffolk counties. Monday will be sunny and hot with possible evening storms. Tuesday and Wednesday stay warm in the 80s. Thursday brings a 30% storm chance. The key message from experts: stay hydrated, take shade breaks, wear sunscreen, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between temperature and "feels like" temperature?
A: The actual temperature is what a thermometer reads. The "feels like" temperature (heat index) accounts for humidity. When it’s humid, your sweat can’t evaporate as well, so your body can’t cool down as effectively – making it feel hotter than the actual temperature.
Q: How much water should I drink in this heat?
A: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. A good rule: if your urine is dark yellow, you need more fluids. Electrolyte drinks help replace salts lost through heavy sweating.
Q: What are signs of heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke?
A: Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, cool/moist skin. Heat stroke (EMERGENCY): hot/dry skin, confusion, very high body temperature, loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately for heat stroke.
Q: Can I still exercise outside?
A: Yes, but be smart: exercise early morning or evening when it’s cooler, reduce intensity, take frequent breaks in shade, and hydrate before/during/after. Listen to your body!
Q: Why is leaving a child/pet in a car so dangerous even for "just a minute"?
A: Cars act like greenhouses. On an 85°F day, a car interior can reach 104°F in just 10 minutes and 119°F in 30 minutes – even with windows cracked. Children and pets heat up 3-5 times faster than adults.
