Westchester Reporter

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County, effective from noon on Tuesday, June 18 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. The heat is expected to continue through the end of the week, with heat index values anticipated to reach between 95 and 100 degrees. The Westchester County Health Department warns residents that high temperatures pose significant health risks.

Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the effects of the heat. It is important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity makes it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time. Seniors and those with chronic health problems are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don’t have home air conditioning, seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Health Department recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler stated: “People who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions. Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”

Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people in a closed car: “Closed vehicles can quickly rise to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”

She continued: “During a heat wave, seniors, young children and people with compromised immunity especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day. Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink; parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate.”

Those planning travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road by ensuring proper functioning of air conditioning systems and coolant levels. It is advised always to travel with a spare battery and avoid leaving radios or phone chargers running when the engine is off.

For tips on preventing heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit www.westchestergov.com/health. Residents needing a place to cool off can check the Cooling Center Finder; senior centers, libraries, community centers, and indoor malls offer respite from the heat but call ahead for hours.

Elevated heat combined with humidity may lead also result in unhealthy ozone levels—a gas produced by sunlight acting on organic air contaminants such as auto exhaust fumes.

For air quality updates visit https://www.airnow.gov or contact New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring weather forecasts while tracking local Cooling Centers' status in coordination with Con Edison concerning potential power outages.

___