Dangerous Heat Smothers Tri-State for 2nd Straight Day; Air Quality Alert in Effect

What to Know

A heat wave is gripping the tri-state through Tuesday
Temps reached the mid-90s in NYC and nearly 100 degrees in Newark amid sticky humidity and blistering sun
An air quality alert has been issued for New York on Tuesday

An air quality alert is in effect for much of the tri-state area as the worst of a mid-June heat wave smothered the region Monday with temperatures in the 90s.

Temperatures had already hit the low 90s or higher in Central Park and the surrounding areas -- 97 in Newark -- before 1 p.m. amid stifling humidity. The UV index was about 9, which means people can burn in 15 to 25 minutes if they don't protect their skin.

New York's LaGuardia Airport reached 95 degrees, topping its 1988 record of 92 degrees. Central Park tied its previous record of 93 degrees, set in 1973. It was also a record-breaking 92 degrees at JFK Airport.

The second day of 90-degree temperatures had schools out early in New Jersey as residents sought relief from the heat. Ida Siegal reports.

Other areas, especially those in and around New York City, could also see records broken during this week's heat wave. The National Weather Service says the heat is being caused by a large high pressure system over Bermuda that's pumping heat and humidity into the area.

It was a little cooler on Long Island, where Islip reached 91 degrees, topping its 1988 record by 3 degrees.

It was 93 degrees in Bridgeport, Connecticut -- another record-breaker.

It was sunny and beautiful out in Long Island City on Monday — that is, if you could handle the heat. Erica Byfield reports.

Tuesday's highs will hit the 90s for the third consecutive day, meteorologists say. That would be three consecutive days of 90 degree temps or higher, making for the second official heat wave of the year. In May, Central Park recorded a heat wave, the first May heat wave there since 2001.

The state Dept. of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory for New York City on Tuesday, anticipating high levels of air pollution.

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A heat advisory for Hudson, Essex and Union counties in New Jersey continues through 10 p.m. Tuesday.

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A cold front approaching from New England will bring a few isolated storms late in the day Tuesday, which could cause some trouble spots during the evening commute. Heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds are possible.

Some relief will come Wednesday as temperatures drop 10 to 15 degrees cooler to the low 80s ahead of some even more mild weather on Thursday, according to Storm Team 4.