Get ready to sweat profusely this summer. The heat dome is closing in.
New York City’s first big heat wave of the year is expected to arrive next week — the start of what climate experts believe will be a historically hot summer.
National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Radell predicted a “heat dome” — or high pressure that traps hot air over an area — will push temperatures into the 90s from Tuesday through Thursday. Along with high humidity, the real-feel will be as hot as 100 degrees outside.
Last year was the hottest on record in New York City — and meteorologists believe this summer could also see all-time highs.
City officials are advising New Yorkers to stay cool next week by sheltering in air conditioned spaces. If someone doesn’t have an air conditioner at home, officials said they could cool off at a friend’s place or a public library during the hottest hours of the day. The city also publishes an online map of public spaces with air conditioning. If that’s not an option, then head for a cool shady green space such as a park.
Most heat-related deaths in New York City occur in homes that lack air conditioning, According to Aries Dela Cruz, a spokesperson for the city Emergency Management Department. City data shows 350 New Yorkers died prematurely last year from a preventable heat-related consequences.
“One thing in the past that we found was that a lot of people didn’t treat heat like a life-threatening emergency, which they should, particularly when it occurs over multiple days.” Dela Cruz said. “People’s homes actually get hotter over multiple days, and they may not realize it, especially if you’re in that home and the temperature is just slowly rising.”
Before the heat wave comes, though, we can look forward to beautiful weather for Father’s Day weekend.
