Extreme heat for much of the nation. Do not panic.Stay cool, drink water and check in on loved ones and senior neighbors.
Later tonight through the eat morning, rain showers, thunderstorms will also define our weekend beginning in the afternoon hours.
A heightened tornado watch is a result of the extreme hot and humid weathermixing with the cooler air that usually accompanies storms. Western New York and Pennsylvania will likely be hit the hardest.
Needless to say, this isn't a typical phenomenon in the New York area. According to some meteorologists, these sorts of tornadoes show up around here approximately once every four years.
Holiday weekend forecast: Storms in the Heartland, triple-digit heat in the West
Excessive heat, likely record highs expected to continue in U.S. West into next week
High temperatures on the move: What's your heat risk?
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS
In the summer, multiple days and nights of hot weather can be very dangerous. Getting too hot can make people sick. Department of Health recommends learning the signs and how to help someone with heat illness:
- HEAT STROKE: red, hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; dizziness; nausea; confusion, strange behavior, or unconsciousness; rapid pulse or throbbing headache. Call 9 – 1 – 1.
- HEAT EXHAUSTION: heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. Move to a cool place and get medical help if vomiting or symptoms get worse or last longer than 1 hour.
KEEP COOL
When temperatures are very high, make sure to:
- Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and a hat outdoors.
- Wear sunscreen and avoid too much sun.
- Slow down and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning or if there was a power outage, find a public place you can go to get out of the heat:
- Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can be cool places to go.
- Ask neighbors, friends or family if they have a cool place you can hang out.
- Call your local county to find a location near you to keep cool.
If you work outside:
- Take breaks to cool down.
- Your employer must give you water, rest, and shade.