With ‘excessive heat’ on the way, officials urge caution

(Updated- 4 p.m.) With temperatures expected to climb into the 90s and accompanied by high humidity, the National Weather Service in New York has issued an excessive heat advisory for tomorrow and an excessive heat warning for Saturday and Sunday.

Heat index values will reach as high as 104 degrees tomorrow and 110 on Saturday and Sunday, the weather service said.

Riverhead Town will open the senior center at 60 Shade Tree Lane as a cooling center on both Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith said today. All Town beach facilities will remain open with lifeguards until 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday also.

Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at-risk population who cannot stay cool, according to the weather service statement. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

Keep a close eye on the elderly and young children. Also, make sure your pets have shade and water. In case of an emergency dial 911 or call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.

There is an air quality health advisory in effect for Friday, when the air quality index is forecast to reach 125, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The pollutant of concern tomorrow is ground-level ozone. High ground-level ozone levels are usually associated with high heat.

Health officials advise all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems,  to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days.