Westchester Broils As Heat Wave Continues

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Keep those air conditioners on! The National Weather Service says Westchester will continue to feel intense heat and humidity for the next few days with no relief in sight.

Temperatures Monday were expected to hit 91 degrees. Weather Service forecasters are calling for mostly sunny skies on Tuesday with a high of 95. Wednesday it will be mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, and a high of 91. Thursday and Friday it will be partly sunny with a high in the mid 80s.

The Westchester County Health Department has issued a heat advisory. Officials say as temperatures rise, residents should avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine and seek air-conditioned spaces to avoid heat-related illnesses. "Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise," said Dr. Sherlita Amler, Westchester County's Commissioner of Health.  Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. She reminds residents to call 911 immediately if they suspect heat stroke. In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Westchester for Tuesday July 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The pollutant of concern is ozone. Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground?level ozone ?? a major component of smog.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says New York state, like the United States as a whole, is at least two degrees hotter this year.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.