Westchester Reporter

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County, effective from 12 p.m. Monday, July 15 through 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 16. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel close to 100 degrees. Due to predicted temperatures and humidity, the National Weather Service may extend the advisory through Wednesday.

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

Health officials recommend that sensitive groups, such as the very young, elderly, and ill—especially those with respiratory conditions—remain indoors and limit their physical activity.

With heat, humidity, and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department warns residents that these conditions pose significant health risks. To protect themselves, 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 said: “The heat can overcome you. Drink lots of water and don’t overexert yourself outdoors when it is this hot and humid. If you leave pets outdoors, be sure they have an abundant supply of water and shade. They need it just like we do.”

Amler noted that the very young, seniors, people who are obese or those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions are most vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She emphasized that "heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition" with symptoms including hot red dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid weak pulse; confusion; calling for immediate cooling measures while waiting for emergency help if suspected.

Heat exhaustion is another concern during a heat wave with signs including headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; exhaustion; cool moist pale or flushed skin—requiring movement out of sun exposure along with application of cool wet cloths.

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Residents are advised to use air conditioning at home or seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot while checking on vulnerable friends family members neighbors regularly.

To reduce risk during outdoor work frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments are recommended by the Health Department along with never leaving children pets people in cars due to rapidly rising unsafe levels inside vehicles urging motorists always look before locking vehicles avoiding tragedies associated closed cars heating up quickly potentially reaching life-threatening temperatures around 140º F more

“During a heat wave seniors young children especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity seek shade spend time in air-conditioned locations drink lots water throughout day,” Amler said adding parents caregivers should prompt children take breaks hydrate especially swimming playing water

Travelers by car should prepare their vehicle ensuring spare battery available avoiding running accessories like radios phone chargers when engine off checking proper functioning coolant levels bringing water umbrella shade necessary leaving car keeping airflow parking shaded areas

Residents can cool off at county beaches pools Glen Island Beach New Rochelle open daily Croton Point Beach Croton-on-Hudson open Wednesdays Sundays all four pools Saxon Woods White Plains Sprain Ridge Tibbetts Yonkers Willson’s Waves Mount Vernon open daily proof residency required admission fees apply parking fees applicable some locations

Cooling Center Finder available those needing place cool off senior centers libraries community centers indoor malls offering respite from heat calling ahead confirm hours

Elevated heat humidity lead unhealthy ozone levels gas produced sunlight action organic contaminants auto exhaust other sources For updates visit https://www.airnow.gov New York State Department Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions http://www.dec.ny.gov call Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345

County’s Department Emergency Services monitoring weather forecast tracking opening local Cooling Centers contact Con Edison NYSEG potential power outages For more tips prevent heat-related illness places stay cool visit Health Department website www.westchestergov.com/health Subscribe weekly My Westchester e-mail newsletter highlights selected events current week Enter submit e-mail address