Heat advisory extended to 8 p.m. Wednesday

High heat and humidity is in the forecast again today, prompting the continuation of a heat advisory in the local area for the third consecutive day. The heat advisory has been extended until 8 p.m. tonight.

Heat index values of up to 98 are expected today, according to the National Weather Service in New York.

There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening on Wednesday. Some storms could pack damaging winds with gusts in excess of 60 mph, the weather service said in a statement.

Beachgoers are warned of a high risk of rip currents at ocean-facing beaches today.

A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time, the weather service said.

The extreme weather can cause heat-related illness. Residents are encouraged to remain indoors in air-conditioned areas or outside in shaded environments and to limit outdoor activity during the heat of the day, Riverhead Town Police said in an advisory issued Tuesday afternoon.

The Riverhead Senior Center on Shade Tree Lane will be open as a cooling center until 4:30 p.m. again today.

All Riverhead Town beaches are scheduled to be open with lifeguards until 7 p.m. today. All outdoor Riverhead Recreation Department activities and programs — except swimming lessons (in-water) and summer camp (moved indoors) — are canceled again today and will be rescheduled.

Today’s air quality index for the Long Island region is forecast to reach 93, with the pollutant of concern being ground-level ozone. It is below the threshold of 101 for an air quality health advisory.