Long Island is under a heat alert as meteorologists forecast temperatures reaching 97 degrees on Wednesday, potentially tying the record set in 1995. According to News 12, the combination of high humidity and actual air temperatures will create a heat index ranging from 100 to 104 degrees.
Beyond the extreme temperatures, residents are being warned about the return of wildfire smoke originating from Canada. The smoke, which was visible in the upper atmosphere on Tuesday, is expected to settle closer to the surface for the remainder of the week. Officials advise that this may lead to reduced air quality, particularly impacting individuals with respiratory issues.
Health authorities recommend remaining indoors when smoke is visible or detectable by smell, staying hydrated, and taking frequent breaks from the heat. While Thursday and Friday are expected to bring slightly lower humidity, the hazy, smoky conditions are likely to persist through the end of the work week. The forecast indicates that the sweltering conditions will break by the weekend, though it will be replaced by a wetter pattern featuring scattered showers and thunderstorms on Saturday.