Blazing heat and suffocating humidity descended on the tri-state area Monday, marking the fourth heat wave of the season.
Meteorologists predict temperatures of 90 degrees or higher in Central Park over the next three days, though the humidity will make it feel even hotter.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the five boroughs from 11 a.m. Monday until 9 p.m. Tuesday. A heat advisory is also in effect for central New Jersey, including Somerset, Warren, Hunterdon, Middlesex, western Monmouth and Ocean counties from 1 p.m. Monday until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Heat advisories are issued when exceedingly high temperatures and humidity combine to create a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Temperatures will be in the low- to mid-90s, but it will feel like 95 to 100 degrees, forecasters say.
Summer is always hot, but this summer has been hotter than usual.
An average season has 15 days of 90-degree or higher temperatures in Central Park, according to the National Weather Service. So far this summer, Newark has already had 17 days at 90 or higher, LaGuardia has had 16 such days, Central Park has had 11, JFK Airport eight days and Bridgeport and Islip have had seven days of those temperatures. And as forecasters point out, there's a lot of summer left.
The all-time record at Central Park was 39 days at 90 degrees or higher, set in 1991 and again in 1993.
Local
Residents who seek relief at the beach are advised to take proper precautions. Water temperatures have risen into the mid- to upper-70s, but rip currents can pose life-threatening dangers for swimmers who aren't alert.
There is a moderate risk for rip currents Monday at New Jersey and Long Island beaches. Swimmers should swim in front of a lifeguard at all times.
Temperatures are expected to cool down a bit by Thursday, with highs in the mid- to high 80s heading into the weekend.
Get the latest from NBC 4 New York's weather team anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.
