Heat advisory for NYC area Wednesday. Here's where to find a cooling center or public pool near you.
HOBOKEN, N.J. -- A heat advisory is in effect Wednesday for New York City and parts of New Jersey, with feels-like temperatures expected to climb above 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service said the heat advisory will run until 8 p.m.
New York City and Newark also issued "Code Red" advisories for the extreme temperatures. New York's cooling centers and public pools will be open for those looking to beat the heat.
Weather forecast around NYC area Wednesday
CBS New York's First Alert Weather team is on Yellow Alert due to excessive heat and humidity Wednesday afternoon, plus the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms in the evening.
The first story will be about the heat, as temperatures climb into the 90s. This will be paired with dew points around 70 degrees, so it will feel more like 95 to 104 degrees.
Then, our attention turns towards the sky late in the afternoon and in the evening, as a cold front pushes through. While a couple of models seem to think that it will be rather uneventful, other models are bringing in some rather robust storms south and west of New York City. Should any of these storms develop, they will be capable of producing locally heavy rainfall, damaging winds and even some hail.
There will be a lingering chance of showers overnight, but it seems relatively weak in comparison. All the while, the humidity will start to fall off, with temperatures only in the 60s and 50s by dawn.
As for Thursday, expect a taste of September, as we struggle to get out of the mid 70s -- a full 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Wednesday.
What is a heat advisory?
The National Weather Service issues a heat advisory when the heat index is expected to rise between 95 and 99 degrees for at least two days in a row. A heat advisory is also issued when the heat index is expected to rise between 100 and 104 degrees.
The heat index represents the "real feel," taking both temperature and humidity into account. The higher the humidity, the hotter it will feel outside.
Heat stroke warning signs
Heat is the number one weather related killer in the U.S., and it's blamed for hundreds of deaths each year in New York City.
Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, happens when the body can no longer control its temperature. Symptoms include hot and dry skin, confusion or disorientation, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing, a fast, strong pulse, weakness and dizziness.
Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is the body's response to a loss of salt and water, usually through sweat. Unlike heat stroke, these symptoms include heavy sweating, as well as thirst, irritability, headache, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output.
Health officials recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, staying in air conditioned environments and checking on neighbors who might be alone. They also say to wear light or loose clothing.
Just like humans, pets can suffer heat stroke, too. Watch for things like heavy panting and drooling, being weak or lethargic, bright red gums and bloodshot eyes.
Early dismissal for some New Jersey & Connecticut schools
The excessive heat even has some local schools dismissing students early Wednesday.
Metuchen public schools will have an early dismissal in New Jersey, along with the following schools in Norwalk, Connecticut:
- Naramake Elementary School
- Rowayton Elementary School
- Tracey Magnet School
- West Rocks Middle School
- Wolfpit Integrated Arts School
Students and their families should check with their individual schools for the latest updates.
Stick with the First Alert Weather team for the forecast, live radar and weather alerts.
