Extreme heat returns to NYC as city activates emergency plan

Key Points:

• The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the New York City region from 11 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, with the possibility of extension into Saturday, due to high heat and humidity expected to raise heat index values up to 104°F.
• Despite actual temperatures being in the upper 80s to lower 90s, high humidity will increase the "feels like" temperature, posing a greater risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with chronic health conditions.
• Rain and thunderstorms are forecasted each afternoon from Thursday through Saturday, with Friday having the highest chance of heavy downpours that could cause flash flooding, prompting city authorities to activate heat and flash flood emergency plans.
• New York City is reopening cooling centers and deploying cooling vans, while city crews are clearing drainage basins to prepare for the weather; officials urge residents without air conditioning or living in flood-prone areas to take precautions and check on neighbors.
• Neighboring New Jersey is also preparing for the heat wave, with Governor Mikie Sherrill advising residents to stay hydrated and check on others, Newark activating Code Red protocols, and NJ 211 maintaining a list of cooling centers statewide.