NYC weather: High temperatures prompt heat and air quality advisories

Heat advisories and air quality advisories didn’t stop New Yorkers from soaking up the sun on Sunday. Photo Credit: Getty Images for Airbnb / Jerod Harris

Tuesday will be the third consecutive day of oppressive heat in the city, with a heat index reaching 99 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS issued a heat advisory on Sunday, which extends into Wednesday evening, warning New Yorkers to stay out of the heat and avoid strenuous activities. An air quality alert was also issued by the State Department of Environmental Conservation through 11 p.m. Tuesday.

The actual temperature is expected to reach 92 degrees on Tuesday, with a chance of thunderstorms and isolated showers after 3 p.m. New Yorkers will still be battling the heat overnight, with temperatures only expected to drop to 76 degrees.

The high temperature hit 95 degrees at LaGuardia Airport on Monday, breaking the previous daily record of 94 degrees set in 1955, per the NWS. Sunday’s high temperature was 92 degrees, but it felt closer to 95 degrees given the heat index.

Despite the heat, many New Yorkers threw caution to the sweltering wind and spent Sunday afternoon soaking up the sun in city parks and waiting in line for Mister Softee ice cream cones.

“I’m trying to enjoy it because it’s been really gross out,” said Eden Marcus, 21, who recently moved from Boston to midtown and was expecting New York summers to be much hotter.

Conor Burke, 22, from Bushwick, also planned to enjoy the day outside at the Highline while remaining cognizant of the importance of staying hydrated. “I’m keeping my reusable water bottle handy and trying to fill it up wherever I can,” he said while journaling in Greeley Square.

Some opted to break up short stints in the heat by patronizing indoor establishments.

“Really? Is it that hot?” said Nathan Barrera, 26, as he nursed an iced coffee in Bryant Park. His afternoon plans included working in an air-conditioned coffee shop and drinking plenty of iced tea.

Heat advisories and air quality advisories didn’t stop New Yorkers from soaking up the sun on Sunday. Photo Credit: Jeff Bachner

Museums are also an option for those seeking cooler air.

Sheevaun Khaki, 33, who is visiting the city from Oregon, said she planned to stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. Still, she and her mother had no complaints about the weather.

“We love the heat and are very excited to be in it,” she added.

Cooling centers are open at libraries, community centers, senior centers and NYCHA facilities during the heat wave, according to NYC’s Office of Emergency Management. A complete list of cooling centers can be found on the OEM’s website.

Spotty thunderstorms are predicted to return Wednesday and last through Thursday afternoon. The heat wave will continue Wednesday, with a predicted heat index value of 99, although Thursday will cool off slightly with an expected high of 87 degrees.

Friday will be sunny and slightly cooler with highs in the mid- to high 80s.

With Lauren Cook