Heat Wave Ahead This Week for South Shore

Brace yourselves, Long Island: Summer is coming.

The dog days of summer have finally arrived as a large air mass of hazy, hot and humid conditions will envelop the area this week.

The hot air that began pushing in on Sunday will completely drench the area in mostly clear and sunny skies with a humid air mass on the ground, leaving high temperatures in the low-90’s from Monday to Friday.

The National Weather Service on Sunday had already issued a Heat Advisory for Monday from noon to 8 p.m. in advance of the excessive heat in our area. But that advisory was cancelled early Monday morning. A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity are expected to make it feel like between 100 and 104 degrees.

Looking to keep cool? Here are some simple tips on what to do and where to go:

• Light Clothing – Wear bright colors like whites, yellows, etc. and loose fitting clothing to avoid absorbing and maintaining additional heat.
• Keep Hydrated – Keep a cool bottle of water with you. Dehydration can set in quickly and water is obviously the easiest way to keep the body cool. Heat stroke is an emergency situation; call 9-1-1 if you believe you or someone nearby is in trouble.
• Sunblock – Sunblock will not only prevent a sunburn, but allows the skin a small layer to reflect sunlight. It won't keep you much cooler, but it does help.
• Hit the Beaches – All local beaches are open for the season. Without a permit or town or county card, entrance fees range between $15-$30 and all open at 10:00 a.m.
• Find Shade Often – If you have to be outside during the day, take five-to-10 minute breaks every hour and sit in the shade. Temperatures tend to be up to 10 degrees cooler there.