NYC Weather: Mayor Declares Emergency For Weekend Heat Wave

NEW YORK — Prepare for a dangerously hot weekend: An excessive heat warning goes into effect noon Friday and lasts until Sunday night.

High temperatures could hit 91 degrees Friday, and the maximum heat index — which accounts for humidity — is expected to reach 105, forecasters say.

Temperatures only get hotter from there. High temperatures Saturday and Sunday will near 97 degrees, and the heat index may climb as high as 111 degrees, the National Weather Service warns.

Forecasters issue excessive heat warnings when the combination of heat and humidity makes it feel like it is 105 degrees or hotter outside.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has declared a heat emergency starting Friday morning, which requires large office buildings to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher in an effort to conserve energy.

BREAKING: @NYCMayor declares heat emergency, signs executive order directing large office buildings in New York City to conserve energy.

Order is in effect from 9 AM Friday July 19 to 11:59 PM Sunday, July 21, unless extended or revoked. pic.twitter.com/cgLuwTBlxy
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) July 19, 2019

The National Weather Service advises New Yorkers to avoid strenuous activities, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and use air conditioning to stay cool.

The stifling temperatures have already forced organizers of the NYC Triathlon to cancel the event, which was scheduled for Sunday.

For those who work outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.

With the impending extreme heat on the doorstep, here are some important tips. pic.twitter.com/l4zcML82jl
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 19, 2019

To find a nearby air-conditioned cooling center open to the public during the heat wave, click here or call 311. Visit NYC.gov/beattheheat for more information on heat emergencies.

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms of heat illness:

• Hot, dry skin, or cold, clammy skin
• Confusion, hallucinations and disorientation
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsive
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Weakness
• Dizziness

If you or someone you know has the following warning signs that they may be at risk for heat illness, get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness, feeling faint
• Headache
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite, nausea

Those at greater risk of getting sick from heat are: 65 years or older, have chronic medical conditions, have mental health conditions like dementia, take certain medications that affect the body's ability to keep cool, use drugs or drink heavily, have limited mobility or are unable to leave home.

Click here for more information about heat illness and staying safe amid dangerously hot temperatures, courtesy of the city's health department.

Here's a closer look at the forecast this weekend, courtesy of the National Weather Service:

Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 102. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 80. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 111. West wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 82. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 97. West wind 5 to 9 mph.

Sunday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79.