A “heat dome” is expected to sweep across the Northeast this week, sending temperatures in New York City into the mid-90s, and city residents should start preparing now for what could be one of the hottest stretches of heat on record, experts told The Washington Post.
The heatwaves are expected to arrive in New York City around Tuesday, with temperatures rising to about 90 degrees on Tuesday and gradually increasing from there. According to AccuWeather forecast.
Temperatures will likely reach their highest on Thursday and Friday, with both days expected to exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to AccuWeather.
But temperatures will feel even hotter, with highs expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees in northern New Jersey, southern Connecticut and New York City, the National Weather Service said. He said in a hazardous weather warning issued on Sunday.
“Not only will it be hot, but it will be stagnant.“FOX Weather meteorologist Steve Bender said. “We won’t have any cooling breezes by the middle to later part of this week.”
This tremendous warmth is trapped in a hot air mass called a “heat dome,” which occurs when a high pressure area traps warm air below, preventing it from rising into the atmosphere. According to New Scientist.
According to the media, high pressure has led to clear skies, resulting in plenty of sunshine that is warming up the already heated air.
This dangerous cycle can create problems for those who aren’t prepared, said Frederick Klein, public affairs manager for the American Red Cross Greater New York Region.
To combat the harmful effects, Klein said people should:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
- Apply sunscreen
- Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day
- Please be especially careful of heatstroke, especially the elderly, young people, and pregnant women.
Klein also said it’s very important to know the signs of heatstroke and when to call emergency services if someone close to you is suffering from heatstroke.
He said the trouble usually starts with heat cramps, including muscle pain and cramps in the legs and abdomen.
Heat stroke is the next level and symptoms include profuse sweating, nausea, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and cold, clammy, pale skin.
These symptoms can usually be relieved by moving to a cooler place, drinking water and doing some stretching, Klein added.
“Monitor closely and call 911 if the person stops drinking water, vomits or starts losing consciousness,” he said.
Heat stroke is the most serious and can be fatal if left untreated.
“It’s life-threatening and you need to call 911 right away,” Klein said.
Symptoms include hot, red skin, vomiting and fainting. Victims should seek immediate professional medical attention.
Fox said New York City had not seen a day with temperatures above 100 degrees since July 18, 2012, during one of the worst heat waves in modern history.
Unfortunately, temperatures are not dropping much overnight, meaning people have nowhere to escape as they normally would at night, which could lead to further heatstroke, the station added.
Some experts worry that excessive heat could damage the power grid if desperate customers start cranking up their air conditioners all at once.
Klein, of the National Weather Service, said New Yorkers can prepare for this by finding their local cooling centers in advance.
“The city has done a pretty good job of communicating where the cooling centers are, so you should know where your nearest one is going to be,” he said.
“It’s better to be prepared before you go out than to be caught unprepared after you’ve gone out.” [for example] The electricity will go out.”
