With afternoon temperatures forecast to reach 99 degrees locally Tuesday and heat index values as high as 104, the area remains under a heat advisory through 8 p.m. tomorrow evening.
Most of Suffolk County west of Riverhead Town, as well as Nassau County and the New York City metro region are under an extreme heat warning tomorrow. The current heat advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. tomorrow.
An air quality health advisory is in effect for the Long Island and metro New York regions tomorrow. The Air Quality Index is expected to reach 119 across Long Island and 101 in the metro New York region.
A UV alert is also in effect Tuesday. The UV index is expected to be 10 tomorrow, which is the upper end of the “very high” designation. A UV index of 11 and above is considered “extreme.”
Riverhead and Southold towns have announced the opening of cooling centers for residents in need. The Riverhead Senior Center at 60 Shade Tree Lane will be open as a cooling center Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Southold Town’s community center, located at 1170 Peconic Lane will be open as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Riverhead Free Library is a Suffolk County cooling center and will be open to residents in need of a place to cool off from 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. Public libraries in Mattituck, Cutchogue, Southold and Greenport are also county-designated cooling centers.
Riverhead Town beaches are now open daily, with beach attendants and lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bathrooms at town beaches will remain open until 9 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)
Any time the Air Quality Index rises above 100, 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. 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
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
