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- New York City is under a Heat Advisory with “feels like” temperatures expected to reach the low 100s.
- The dangerous heat and high humidity are forecast to continue through at least Friday.
- Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are possible, with a chance of isolated flash flooding.
- The heat index measures what the temperature feels like to the human body when humidity is factored in.
New York City is heading into a stretch of dangerous heat and humidity, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and “feels like” temperatures reaching the low 100s through at least Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for New York City and the surrounding region through Friday, warning that heat index values could reach 100 to 104 degrees across much of the metro area.
While actual temperatures are expected to peak in the upper 80s and lower 90s, high humidity will make it feel much hotter.
“Very warm and very humid through Saturday, possibly lingering into the start of next week,” the National Weather Service in New York City wrote.
How hot will New York City get?
- Thursday: Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Heat index values between 100 and 104 degrees are expected across much of New York City.
- Friday: Similar temperatures, with another day of dangerous heat and humidity. Forecasters expect heat index values to once again exceed 100 degrees in parts of the metro.
- Weekend: High temperatures remain near 90 degrees. Humidity should gradually ease, but it may still feel oppressive enough for heat advisories to continue, especially in New York City.
Could storms interrupt the heat?
Yes. The same humid air fueling the heat could also trigger afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms through Saturday.
Friday currently has the best chance for more widespread storms. Any thunderstorm could produce torrential rainfall because atmospheric moisture is expected to remain unusually high.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of the region under a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall, meaning isolated flash flooding is possible.
“Along with the very warm and humid airmass will come the chance of showers and thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Heavy downpours are likely with any showers and thunderstorms.”
5 maps show New York City’s heat wave
What’s the difference between temperature and heat index?
The temperature is the actual air reading — what a thermometer records in the shade. The heat index, on the other hand, represents what it feels like to the human body when both temperature and humidity are factored in, according to the National Weather Service.
When humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, making it harder for your body to cool down. That’s why the heat index is often higher than the air temperature, and why it’s used to gauge the risk of heat-related illness.
What is an extreme heat warning?
The National Weather Service issues different alerts depending on how severe and certain the heat threat is, and the thresholds vary by region.
- Extreme Heat Warning — Take Action!: Extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or happening. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, stay in air-conditioning as much as possible — even overnight — and check on family, friends, and neighbors.
- Extreme Heat Watch — Be Prepared!: Forecasters see the potential for extreme heat but details on timing and severity remain uncertain. Plan for the possibility of suspending outdoor activities and make arrangements for a cool place to stay if you don’t have air conditioning.
- Heat Advisory — Take Action!: Dangerous heat is expected but conditions don’t meet warning criteria. Limit time outside, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks in the shade or in cool spaces.
National heat index map: How hot does your city feel?
The map below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from “Caution” (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to “Extreme Danger” (above 125 degrees).
The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.
Search the heat index forecast in your area
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the nation as the Weather Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. She can be reached at baddison@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Facebook here.