Tri-State Area Residents Feeling The Heat With Thursday Shaping Up To Be Even Hotter
Updated at 12:19 a.m., June 21, 2012
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The first real sizzle of the summer had temperatures soaring Wednesday throughout the Tri-State Area, causing utility companies to reduce voltage in some neighborhoods and prompting officials to issue a word of caution to area residents.
Looking ahead to Thursday, residents can expect much of the same sweltering heat to be a major factor.
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There were also spotty power outages across the area, leaving some residents no choice other than to sleep without air conditioning.
In New Jersey, PSE&G said it had extra crews to deal with any service interruptions that may occur. Additional crews were to work through the night to restore service, the utility said.
OUTAGES: PSEG | LIPA | CON EDISON
Con Edison reduced voltage to some neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens as a precaution on Wednesday because of problems with electrical equipment. Customers have also been asked to turn off non-essential appliances in those areas.
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In places like Wantagh on Long Island, the outages were scattered, but very widespread. The collective hunger for air conditioning stressed the system and left Long Island Power Authority customers scrambling for batteries and flashlights Wednesday night.
Such a scenario was an inconvenience for most, but a bit more than that for 86-year-old Madeline Manette, who said she was two days out of the hospital and feeling the heat rise in her living room.
"It'll be too hot to sleep and I can't walk, so I'm stuck wherever I am -- either in bed or in the chair," she told CBS 2's Lou Young.
The sudden lack power had some pointing the lights outside, where there was scant relief.
"Just try to keep cool and conserve energy and hope it comes back on soon," Blake Holland said.
On Thursday, it will be very hot and humid with a high near the record of 97, last reached in 1988, according to AccuWeather. Reel Feel temperatures are expected to be between 100 and 105 on Thursday.
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The high temperature Wednesday in Central Park hit 94 degrees at 1:30 p.m. and the RealFeel temperature hit 100 earlier in the day. A record high of 98 degrees at Central Park was set in 1923.
Temperatures at other locations ended up breaking records on Wednesday. LaGuardia Airport posted a high of 98, breaking the record of 96 set back in 1953. Newark Airport tied the record of 97 and John F. Kennedy Airport did the same, tying the record 93.
Heat advisories were issued throughout the Tri-State Area. An Excessive Heat Advisory will be in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday for New York City and the surrounding suburbs.
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An air quality health advisory is also in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday in Rockland County, Westchester County, New York City and Long Island.
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While staying cool was the name of the game Wednesday, there were some places where it was nearly impossible. Some of those spots included the subways.
"It's like 100 degrees on the platforms. At least on the subway cars, they have air conditioning so it's not as bad," Derwin Gonzalez told CBS 2's Cindy Hsu.
Hundreds of cooling centers were also opened throughout New York City.
LINK: Find A Cooling Center
"The next two days will be very hot and possibly uncomfortable, but for many New Yorkers it can also be very dangerous," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "It's crucial that all New Yorkers take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from the heat."
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Lifeguards also had a plea for those who headed to the beach.
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"Swim in between the green flags, watch out for the rip currents," said Jones Beach lifeguard supervisor Rob Strobel.
"Please just swim by the lifeguards even though it might be crowded," said Jones Beach lifeguard Capt. Ed Peters. "For you safety."
How do you beat the heat? Let us know below in our comments section...
