Live updates: Heat wave grips NYC, parts of the Tri-State

Yonkers Public Schools will dismiss early on Thursday, while New York City schools will operate with precautions due to the extreme heat.

Yonkers schools will dismiss as early as 11 a.m. in some cases depending on the location in the third largest district in the state.

While schools aim to keep kids comfortable, principals have the discretion not to serve hot meals, as they are prepared to serve cold meals if needed.

Plus, custodians come in early to turn on the air conditioning before students arrive to make sure temperatures are comfortable.

Across the city there are 555 cooling centers, air-conditioned indoor facilities that can be used during the day, open under the city's continuing heat emergency plan.

239 of them were closed Wednesday for the federal holiday of Juneteenth. All will reopen as cooling centers including all 179 libraries.

The state is also pitching in to make New Yorkers beat the heat and humidity with no admission charge to state parks like Riverbank.

People can also enjoy free entry at Roberto Clemente and Gantry Plaza state parks. In the city, Jones Beach and Sunken Meadow state parks on Long Island and Bear Mountain and Rockland Lake state parks in the Hudson Valley will have free entry as well.

Phil Taitt has details on early school closures in Yonkers.

Newark, New Jersey officially entered a heat wave on Wednesday as temperatures reached 90 degrees for the third day in a row.

The heat was cooking early, before noon in fact, as tents went up for Newark's Juneteenth celebration.

An ambulance crew was there on standby, but fortunately, no one needing heat-related help.

Not everyone had the holiday off. City workers were seen repainting a lamp post, but they made sure to get it done well before the noon sun was directly overhead.

Construction crews were also on the job. It's all about getting the work done or getting to your destination or enjoying an outdoor festival while making sure the temperatures don't get the best of you.

Fans, umbrellas and water are all important items when the heat turns up.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced free admission to all state park sites on Wednesday and Thursday to help New Yorkers beat the heat.

Select beaches and pools are open early for swimming this week.

Misters and sprays are being added to several state park locations throughout the city, including Riverbank State Park and Marsha P. Johnson State Park.

There are also a number of sites across the state opening early for swimming including on Long Island - Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park - in the Hudson Valley - Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park.

The governor has also activated the state's emergency operations center.

And though some cooling centers will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, the city says hundreds of cooling centers will remain open.

Officials are warning New Yorkers to be aware of any signs of heat stroke to stay hydrated and avoid excess outdoor activity.

Joe Torres has details on how New Yorkers are staying cool during this week's heat wave.

Officials say 239 of the city's 555 cooling centers will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday.

But the city's emergency management commissioner says a sufficient number will remain open.

Officials urge people to avoid excess activity outside and be aware of the signs of heat stroke.

"Extreme weather is the new normal in our country, but particularly here in the state of New York. We know that heat events, and loss of life from heat stroke, for example, are the number one killer of human beings during these events. And so, we're prepared for this," Governor Hochul said.

The MTA also preparing for this extreme heat saying they have generators on standby and are ensuring buses with A/C are not taken out of the rotation for service. Transit leaders are also urging those who use public transit to stay up to date on the status of subways and trains that way they are not stuck in sweltering heat waiting for a delayed train.

If you are going to come out and enjoy free admission at one of these state parks - don't forget the sunscreen. And certainly don't leave a child or pet unattended in a hot car.

NYC Transit officials are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and comfort of riders.

Interim President Demetrius Crichlow, President of Construction and Development Jaime Torres Springer, and Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo led a press conference Tuesday to discuss the measures being implemented.

"We want our customers to stay hydrated, cool, and be fully informed about our service," Crichlow said.

Joe Torres has more from Lower Manhattan.

He noted that all 10,000 digital screens and social media platforms are being used to inform customers about the ongoing heat advisory.

"Our buses, subways, and cars are all equipped with great air conditioning, but on rare occasions, it might fail. We urge our riders to report these issues immediately to MTA employees, use the help point buttons on platforms, call 511, or report through our various apps," he said.

Crichlow advised riders to plan their trips wisely using the MTA and TrainTime apps to minimize time spent on hot station platforms and bus stops. He also encouraged customers to sign up for real-time service alerts at MTA.info/notify.

Crutchlow outlined measures to protect employees, including an internal memo advising them to take breaks and stay hydrated.

He added that the MTA has been preparing since March to ensure air conditioning systems on subways and buses are operational.

"Fortunately, 99% of the air conditioners are working. Our goal is to ensure the subway is not the hottest place you will encounter," Crutchlow said.

He also mentioned that standby generators and emergency crews are ready to respond in case of power outages.

Metro North and LIRR railroads deploy heat patrols to inspect tracks and have crews and water-filled tank cars ready to address brush fires."