'Deadly' Heat Sets To Slam Long Island This Week; 'Little Overnight Relief' Expected: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders are gearing up for some dangerously hot weather.

Across the region, cooling centers are opening as the National Weather Service forecasts an extreme heat watch across Long Island from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening.

Dangerously hot conditions, with heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees, are expected, the NWS said.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, the NWS said.

"This has potential to be a multi-day extreme heat event with near record high temperatures and little overnight relief," the NWS said. "This level of heat can be deadly for those without adequate cooling and hydration."

Impacts to transportation infrastructure and electrical and water systems are also possible, the NWS said.

An extreme heat watch means that the combination of heat and humidity could create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible, the NWS said.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening," the NWS said.

In addition, the NWS said individuals should know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke, the NWS said.

• Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating.
• First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
• Heat Exhaustion
• Symptoms: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting.
• First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
• Heat Stroke

• Symptoms: Throbbing headache; confusion; slurred speech; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; fainting; loss of consciousness.
• First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately.
• Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.

Using a fan to blow air in someone’s direction may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s. For more information on all heat-related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.

The NWS also offered additional tips:

Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

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. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don`t have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot," the NWS said.

Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.

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," the NWS said.