Beachgoers flock to the shore to beat the extreme heat across the Tri-State
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Crowds flocked to beaches in New Jersey and across the Tri-State area on Friday, as people looked for some relief amid the potential first heat wave of the summer.
Temperatures are expected to remain above 90 degrees through Saturday.
The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for much of the Tri-State area through 9 p.m. Saturday. Excessive heat warnings remain in effect further south in parts of New Jersey.
Many residents headed to the Jersey Shore as a way to beat the heat on Friday.
The water temperature there was 78 degrees, which is close to the maximum for our region. Experts are watching to see if it will climb any higher.
"We're at the climatologic max for summer temperatures for the air, the sea tends to follow a little bit behind, so there's a chance we'll see it creep up a little bit more," Rutgers professor and climatologist Dr. David Robinson said.
Those water temperatures are being studied by marine biologists. They are concerned because warmer water depletes oxygen and marine animals suffer.
"One of the things that we are always most concerned is this is when we start see things like fish kills," marine biologist Paul Bologna said.
Otherwise, it was a perfect beach day.
"Growing up in Monmouth County, this was always the place to be, still is the place to be especially on a hot day, doesn't get better than this," Tiffany Friedman said.
Fortunately, there is some relief on the way starting on Sunday, with scattered thunderstorms expected to bring temperatures back down below 90 degrees.
Below you can find resources for beating the heat in your area.
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York State swimming facilities would offer extended hours through Saturday at select locations.
Westchester County
Westchester County Parks' pools and beaches will stay open one hour longer through Saturday.
Connecticut
Connecticut residents can call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org for a list of cooling centers throughout the state.
New York City
New York City has opened 500 cooling centers across the five boroughs. To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, New Yorkers can call 311 or visit the City's Cooling Center Finder.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT
- Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
- Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
- Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.
- Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
- Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, and window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and do not fall on someone below.
- Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:
- Hot dry skin.
- Trouble breathing.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.
KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE
- Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
- Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
- Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.
IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE
The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.
Use "spray caps" to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS
During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:
- Set your air conditioner to 78F or "low."
- Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
- Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
- Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
- Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
- If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
- Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.
For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.
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