Air quality, heat advisories in effect locally through Tuesday evening as heat wave moves east

An air quality health advisory for ozone and a heat advisory are in effect through Tuesday evening for all of Long Island except the South Fork.

Heat index values are expected to reach 100 across the Long Island region, with more moderate temperatures on the South Fork.

The New York City Metro region is under an extreme heat warning through Tuesday evening, where forecasted heat index values of 102 to 104.

The Air Quality Index is expected to reach 105 in the Long Island region and 115 in the NYC Metro region this afternoon and evening, according to the air quality health advisory.

The unusual June heat wave that has gripped the middle of the country is expanding east, the National Weather Service said. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and limit time in sun as much as possible. Seek out air conditioned spaces and cooling centers if available.

The Riverhead Senior Center will be open as a cooling center until 4 p.m. Monday and on Tuesday, June 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Town beaches opened for the season Monday, one week early and will be open, with beach attendants and lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Extreme heat can cause serious illness. The warning signs of heat-related illness are feeling overheated and weak, dizzy, nauseous, having a dry mouth and sweating profusely. People can also experience heat cramps and heat rash. These are typical symptoms of heat exhaustion, according to the CDC.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a health emergency. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911.

Anyone in need of non-emergency assistance due to the heat hours should call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.

MORE COVERAGE: Tips for preventing, recognizing and treating heat-related illnesses from PBMC’s top emergency doc (June 22, 2024)

A UV index of 9 is forecast today in the local area, according to the U.S. EPA. Protection against sun damage is needed when the UV index is high, the agency said. It recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical, the EPA said. Reduce your exposure to the sun’s most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

Extreme heat may persist into Wednesday, but temperature should trend cooler Thursday into Friday, the National Weather Service in New York said.

Ground level ozone, which forms when sunlight reacts with chemicals from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions, will make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups on Monday and Tuesday. Sensitive groups include  young children, people with cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease such as asthma. For more information about the health effects of ozone pollution, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website.

People, especially those with lung disease such as asthma, young children, the elderly, and those who work or exercise outdoors, should limit strenuous outdoor activity in the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are the highest, the advisory states. Individuals with asthma and those who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should spend more time indoors and discuss symptoms with their health care provider.

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reminds residents that dogs and cats can suffer the effects of hot weather in much the same ways as humans: overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. The SCSPCA recommends the following precautions:

• Never leave your animal alone in a vehicle. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace.
• Limit exercise.
• Bring your cat or dog inside during the hottest part of the day.
• Take care not to let your dog stand on hot asphalt. It can heat up the body and burn the dog’s sensitive paw pads can easily burn.
• Always provide plenty of shade and cool, clean water for animals when outdoors.

In Suffolk County, tethering a dog outside in temperatures over 90° is against the law.