Tuesday was the hottest day of the year thus far, with temperatures reaching a steamy 92 degrees at Central Park by 3 p.m., Storm Team 4 says.
The mercury has hit the 90s six times in the city this year prior to the sizzler Tuesday, but it hasn't surpassed 91 degrees.
Highs across the interior of New Jersey were also expected to reach the 90s Tuesday. An air quality alert is in effect in New York City, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island and Fairfield, Connecticut.
Scattered, strong thunderstorms may dispel the humidity later in the day, Storm Team 4 says, especially in areas north and west of the city. It's unlikely severe weather will pass through the tri-state area, but the best chance for potential downpours is between 3 p.m. and midnight, according to Storm Team 4.
Temperatures are expected to linger in the high 80s the rest of the week amid mostly sunny skies and muggy area. The chance for scattered showers returns over the weekend.
Health officials say six Long Island beaches that were closed for one day have reopened to swimming.
The Nassau County beaches were closed Monday due to storm water runoff that could negatively impact bacterial levels.
The beaches were: Laurel Hollow Beach, Morgan Beach, North Hempstead Beach Park, Sea Cliff Village Beach, Tappen Beach and Theodore Roosevelt Beach.
Updates on beach closings and openings are available at 516-227-9700.
