Heat advisory in effect for heat index values of 102-105 today and tomorrow

Heat index values of up to 102-105 today and tomorrow have most of Long Island under a heat advisory both days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Higher heat index values, up to 107, are forecast for New York City and northeast New Jersey, which are under an excessive heat warning.

Only southeast Suffolk can expect more moderate heat index values, the National Weather Service said.

Warm and humid air will linger overnight with low temperatures reaching only about 71 or 72 degrees, according to the forecast.

Cloudy skies this morning will clear and the day ahead will be mostly sunny, hot and humid with a high of around 86 degrees, the weather service said. A few scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon could briefly become severe, according to the advisory.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health
conditions are at an increased risk for heat illness, the weather service said. Homes without air conditioning can become indoors than the the temperature outdoors.

“Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors,” the advisory states.

People who work outdoors should schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location, OSHA warned. “Heat stroke is an emergency. In cases of heat stroke call 911.”

PSEG-Long Island yesterday issued a precautionary statement regarding the heat wave.

“In addition to the typical demand challenges faced during high heat, PSEG Long Island is aware of issues affecting some interconnections that provide electricity to the service area and is working with their third party owners,” the utility said in a press release.

PSEG-LI said it has proactive measures to address energy demands across the island and “expects to have sufficient electricity from available sources to meet forecasted customer demand, contingent upon other transmission and generation facilities remaining in service.”

The utility is asking customers to “use electricity wisely” by setting home thermostats or air conditioner units to 78 degrees and avoid running major appliances during the peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.

“With more people working from home, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to conserve energy and reduce overall peak demand,” PSEG-LI Senior Director of Transmission and Distribution, Michael Sullivan said in a statement.

“PSEG Long Island has made preparations for this situation and our personnel will work according to plan to provide the electricity we all need. By working together, we can avoid exceeding load forecasts and ensure that everyone’s air conditioning stays on as we weather this heat,” Sullivan said.

Conservation measures customers can take include:

• Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
• Use ceiling fans to help cool rooms. In hot weather, set your ceiling fan to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward toward the floor.
• Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
• Clean or replace air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.