Updated- July 17: A heat advisory remains in effect today, with heat index values of up to 102º F in the forecast. There was no air quality health advisory in effect as of this morning, when the forecasted air quality index for today was 100, just under the AQI threshold of 101, which triggers an air quality advisory.
Original post- July 16: A heat advisory is in effect An air quality health advisory is in effect Wednesday for the Long Island region, where ground-level ozone will make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, people with cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease such as asthma.
A heat advisory is also in effect Wednesday and Thursday for heat index values of up to 102º.
An Air Quality Index of 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. The ozone advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. Wednesday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Wednesday in a revised advisory.
The Riverhead Senior Center at 60 Shade Tree Lane will be open as a cooling center from through 4 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 4 p.m. Thursday.
People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.
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 should call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.
A NYSDEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on the DEC’s website or by PDF download.
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