Westchester Reporter

The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for Westchester County through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, with heat index values expected to reach up to 101 degrees. During this period, heat and humidity are anticipated to combine, making outdoor temperatures feel over 100 degrees.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality advisory through 11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, after rating the air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City metro area as unhealthy for sensitive groups. This rating is the third most concerning level.

Health officials recommend that sensitive groups, such as the very young, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, remain indoors and limit their physical activity. The Westchester County Health Department warns residents that these conditions pose significant health risks. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler stated: “Please take this heat seriously, and don’t overexert yourself outdoors when it is this hot and humid. Be sure to check on elderly family members and neighbors or those who have disabilities to make sure they’re doing okay; they may forget to open a window or turn on air conditioning.”

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Residents are advised to use air conditioning or 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. Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people in a car: “To avoid tragedy, never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time. Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”

Travelers should prepare their vehicles before hitting the road by ensuring proper functioning of air conditioning systems and carrying essentials like water and umbrellas for shade if necessary.

Residents can cool off at various County beaches or pools. Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson operates Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All four pools—Saxon Woods in White Plains; Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts in Yonkers; Willson’s Waves in Mount Vernon—are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with last entry at all facilities at 6 p.m.

For those needing additional places to cool off, options include senior centers, libraries, community centers, and indoor malls.

Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone produced by sunlight acting on organic air contaminants from auto exhausts among other sources.

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

The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring weather forecasts closely while tracking local Cooling Centers' operations and coordinating with Con Edison and NYSEG regarding potential power outages.

For further tips on preventing heat-related illnesses and finding places to stay cool visit www.westchestergov.com/health.