Heat Advisory, Rip Current Risk, Air Quality Alert In Effect Across LI: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders are set to be hit with another blast of hot weather — along with a rip current risk and an air quality alert, according to the National Weather Service.

A heat advisory remains in effect from Tuesday through 9 p.m. on Wednesday for all of Nassau County and northwest Suffolk; on Wednesday, that heat advisory extends to include all of Long Island, the NWS said.

Heat index values up to 101 degrees are expected, the NWS said.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses; a heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time, the NWS said.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures, the NWS said.

The NWS advises individuals to use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning; residents without home air conditioning should continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if homes are still hot.

"Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors," the NWS said. "To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911."

Rip current risk

A high rip current risk is in effect through Wednesday evening across Long Island, the NWS said.

Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone, the NWS said.

"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Anyone visiting un-lifeguarded beaches should stay out of the surf," the NWS said. "If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device with you and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and yell or wave for help."

Air quality alert

An air quality alert is in effect across Long Island through 11 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS said.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of ground level ozone, officials said.

According to the New York State Department of Health, the air quality index, or AQI, "was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease."

Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician, officials said.