Heat Advisory Issued for Westchester County

The National Weather Service has sounded the alarm with a heat advisory for Westchester County, lasting until Thursday, August 1 at 8 p.m. High temperatures and sticky humidity will make it feel like it’s nearing 100 degrees outside.

With these hot and muggy conditions ahead, the Westchester County Health Department is urging everyone to take care of themselves. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check in on family and neighbors who might need a little help.

Sherlita Amler, the Westchester County Health Commissioner, emphasizes the seriousness of the heat. She said, “The heat can overcome you. Drink lots of water and don’t overexert yourself outdoors when it is this hot and humid.” She reminds pet owners to keep their furry friends cool by providing plenty of water and shade.

Some groups of people are especially at risk during extreme heat, including the very young, seniors, and those with health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. These individuals are more likely to suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke is a severe condition that can be life-threatening. Symptoms include dry and hot skin, confusion, and rapid pulse. If you think someone might be suffering from heat stroke, the advice is to call 911 immediately and try to cool them down while waiting for help.

Additionally, heat exhaustion can sneak up on you, showing signs like dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating. If someone is feeling these symptoms, they need to move to a cooler place and use cool, damp cloths on their skin.

For those without air conditioning at home, it can feel much hotter indoors than outside. It’s best to seek out air-conditioned public spots like libraries, community centers, or malls to beat the heat. Westchester County also has cooling centers open to provide relief from the sweltering temperatures.

To help reduce heat-related risks during outdoor activities, the Health Department suggests taking frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned spaces.

Amler also cautioned against leaving people or pets alone in cars, where temperatures can soar dangerously high in just a short time. She stated, “To avoid tragedy, never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time.”

For families, keeping kids cool is especially important. Amler encourages parents to remind children to drink water frequently, particularly when they’re outside playing or swimming.

Anyone planning to drive should prepare their car and check that the air conditioning works well. It’s a good idea to keep the windows open for airflow and park in shaded spots when possible.

Residents can cool off at local beaches and pools during this heat wave. Glen Island Beach and Croton Point Beach are open for a refreshing swim, and several pools are operating daily, providing great spots for cooling down.

For further updates, folks can keep an eye on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for details on air quality, as the heat can also lead to unhealthy ozone levels.