Dangerous heat pushes Long Island heat index to over 107, though no record set as yet
A dangerous heat wave was expected to continue on Friday through the Independence Day weekend on Long Island, with temperatures nearing triple digits and authorities warning of serious risks to seniors, people with health problems or those in homes without air conditioning.
But as of 1:30 p.m. Friday, most spots on Long Island had yet to hit 100, according to Shannon Young with the National Weather Service in Upton.
The all-time high in Islip for July 3 is 104 degrees, set in 1966.
"We might still make it," Young said. "We are not expecting much of a letup today and likely tomorrow and Sunday are going to be really hot as well. But beyond Sunday, it should start to get a little cooler as the week progresses."
People across Long Island, along with New York City and most of downstate New York, were at "extreme" risk of heat-related illness, according to the state Department of Health. That is the highest of the state’s four risk levels, meaning conditions are dangerous for everyone and that everyone should adjust activities, monitor health symptoms and spend more time in air conditioning.
Just after noon, the states' Office of Emergency Management texted an extreme heat warning for Long Island, New York City, and Orange, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester counties until 9 p.m. Saturday, with feel-like temperatures of up to 106.
Temperatures at the National Weather Service monitoring station in Islip were forecast to reach 98 degrees on Friday, but the heat index — what it feels like when humidity is taken into account with temperature — was expected to spike to 107. It was predicted to hit 113 in Syosset and Stony Brook, and 102 in Montauk.
Long Island will face "extreme risk" again on Saturday, with conditions not expected to ease until Sunday, with little overnight relief. Friday night’s low was forecast at 77 degrees and temperatures on Saturday were expected to rebound to 97, with the heat index across the region pushing above 100.
"We haven’t seen all-time daily highs, but this stretch, how long it’s been going on, is pretty historic," said James Tomasini, a meteorologist at the weather service’s Upton office.
Manhattan’s Central Park, where meteorologists have not recorded three consecutive 100-degree days since 1993, could match that record this weekend, Tomasini said. Islip has never had consecutive 100-degree days and could set a record if actual highs exceed predictions.
Newsday's Robert Brodsky contributed to this story.
Nicholas Spangler is a general assignment reporter and has worked at Newsday since 2010.
'It happened right in your own backyard' NewsdayTV looks back at Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution, as well as how LIers are celebrating this year's holiday. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Elisa DiStefano are your hosts for this American adventure.
'It happened right in your own backyard' NewsdayTV looks back at Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution, as well as how LIers are celebrating this year's holiday. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Elisa DiStefano are your hosts for this American adventure.
