Westchester Reporter

The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for Westchester County from 1 p.m. Friday, August 2 through 8 p.m. Saturday, August 3. The advisory includes warnings of potential showers and thunderstorms that could result in heavy wind gusts and isolated or scattered flash floods through 8 a.m. Saturday. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel like 100 degrees.

The Westchester County Health Department has issued reminders about the significant health risks posed by these conditions. Residents are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD, emphasized: “Seek the shade, drink lots of water, and be sure all the people and pets in your life do, too. Take it easy when it is so hot and humid. 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.”

Homes without air conditioning can become much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Residents are encouraged to use air conditioning or go to an air-conditioned place if they do not have home air conditioning. Checking on vulnerable friends, family members, and neighbors is also recommended.

Amler added: “Seniors may forget to drink enough water and can become dehydrated, as can young children; so be mindful of the need to hydrate.”

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

“To avoid tragedy,” Amler said, “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.”

For those planning to travel by car during this period: check tire pressure, tread and fluids; bring a cell phone charger; spare tire; jack; ensure coolant levels are proper; carry water; an umbrella for shade if necessary; keep air flowing throughout the vehicle; try parking in shaded areas.

Residents seeking relief from the heat can visit county beaches or pools such as Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle (open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) or Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson (open 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.

Proof of Westchester County residency is required at Glen Island Beach and all pools where admission fees apply along with parking fees at Glen Island Beach Croton Point Beach Tibbetts Brook Park Pool.

Residents needing cooling centers can use the Cooling Center Finder for locations such as senior centers libraries community centers indoor malls which offer respite from heat though calling ahead for hours is recommended.

Elevated heat combined with humidity may lead to unhealthy ozone levels—a gas produced by sunlight acting on organic contaminants like auto exhausts—for updates visit https://www.airnow.gov while New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions at http://www.dec.ny.gov or call their Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

The County’s Department of Emergency Services monitors weather forecasts tracks local Cooling Centers' openings maintains contact with Con Edison NYSEG regarding potential power outages

For more tips on preventing heat-related illnesses places stay cool residents should visit Health Department website www.westchestergov.com/health

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