Heat advisory, air pollution alerts issued our area through 11 p.m. tonight

Blistering temperatures and high humidity today, combined with elevated ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution — smog — have led to the issuance of a heat advisory and air quality alerts the entire New York metropolitan area, including Riverhead and the East End.

The heat advisory and air quality alerts remain in effect until 11 p.m. tonight.

Temperatures are expected to climb to 95 degrees today, and with high humidity factored in, it will feel like 105 in Riverhead this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the heat advisory for our area.

The air in Riverhead and the East End is forecast to have the highest ground-level ozone readings in the entire New York metropolitan region today, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which says the air quality index today for ground-level ozone will be 125.

The EPA has also issued an air quality alert for fine particles today. Particle pollution — microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets — comes from many sources, including combustion engines, dust, fires, smokestacks, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Particle pollution is the cause of visible haze.

Ground-level ozone and particle pollution will make outdoor air today unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, the elderly and people with lung disease, such as asthma. People in those groups should limit prolonged exposure to outdoor air and reduce all outdoor activity. Click here to download the EPA brochure “AQI: A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health” (PDF).

All people should avoid prolonged physical exertion outdoors today, according to the EPA. Drink plenty of water to remain well-hydrated.

And don’t forget to cover up. Today’s UV index is 9 on a scale of 1-11, meaning protection against sun damage is needed, according to the EPA.

If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade,

If you go to the beach, remember that white sand, water and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

The suffocating heat and humidity is forecast to continue through the weekend, as the record-breaking heat wave that gripped the midwest settles over the East Coast. Local temperatures are expected to reach 93 degrees tomorrow and near 90 on Sunday. On Monday a more temperate climate will return, forecasters say, with highs only around 80.