Temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit are expected across New York state Thursday, according to forecasters, as heat advisories remained in place for much of the Northeast U.S.
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Strong thunderstorms hit the western part of New York state early Thursday, and more rain and thunder is due across much of the Upstate area in the evening and into the night.
Air Quality Warning
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued air quality advisories for much of the southeast, covering Long Island, New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley.
The Air Quality Index figure for each of those regions exceeded 100, with New York City the highest at 115. AQI values this high suggest the air is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
The AQU in the Upper Hudson Valley was 100.
As pollution levels rise, the New York State Department of Health recommends that people limit strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of health effects.
People who may be sensitive to elevated pollutants include very young people and those with preexisting respiratory problems like asthma or heart disease.
Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service has reminded Americans to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check in on people to make sure they are staying safe.
270 million Americans will be hit by temperatures of 90 degrees and higher this week as extreme heat warnings are put in place across the country.
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The spike in heat has been caused by a heat dome that has settled over the East, trapping in hot air while the sun continues to shine. Hot air expands, creating a dome that bugles out. This means that each day is hotter than the day before.
High humidity levels are likely to make conditions feel even warmer.
Cooling centers will be opened in New York for the week to help residents handle the heat. Outdoor workers will also be given cooling kits.
Prolonged high heat is one of the most dangerous weather conditions to human beings, according to the World Health Organization. High heat conditions can stress the heart and kidneys as the body tries to cool down.
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Extreme heat kills twice as many people a year on average as hurricanes and tornadoes combines, the WHO said.
People are reminded that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can very quickly reach dangerous temperatures.
In addition to New York, the NWS has issued heat advisories for multiple states in the Northeast and the Midwest. This list includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa
In some areas of the country, including Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix Arizona and Death Valley California, temperatures are expected to hit triple figures.
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Marni Rose McFall is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on U.S. politics, social affairs and ... Read more
