NEW YORK (PIX11) — Temperatures are soaring into the 90s in New York City this week, with heat indexes peaking at a blistering 100 degrees in certain areas, according to the National Weather Service.

Health experts warn residents to take extra precautions during extreme heat. Temperatures in cars and rooms can rapidly surge in hot weather. A temperature of 95 degrees can cause a car’s interior temperature to shoot up to a scorching 130 degrees within just 30 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.

No AC at NYC senior center ahead of potential heat wave

Rooms without ventilation or air conditioning can also reach unsafe heat levels.

“Rooms tend to heat up slowly, especially if there is a lack of ventilation,” PIX11 Weather Producer Andrew Cruz said. “This tends to keep the heat in place rather than getting released.”

Exposure to high temperatures can cause severe heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are symptoms associated with heat-related illness.

Heat-related illnesses

Heat cramps

Heat cramps are the first sign of any heat-related illness, leading to heat exhaustion or stroke.

Heat cramp symptoms

• Painful cramps

• Painful muscle spasm

Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. During heat stroke, the body temperature can rise to unsafe temperatures in just a brief period. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heat stroke can have devastating permanent impacts and even cause death. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect heat stroke.

Heat stroke symptoms

• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech

• Loss of consciousness (coma)

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

• Seizures

• Very high body temperature

• Fatal if treatment is delayed

When was the last heat wave in NYC?

Heat exhaustion

This is the body’s response to excessive water and salt loss caused by sweating. Heat exhaustion usually affects older adults, people with high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Irritability

• Thirst

• Heavy sweating

• Elevated body temperature

• Decreased urine output

Heat syncope

A mild heat illness that causes dizziness or fainting when someone is in a hot environment.

Heat syncope symptoms

• Fainting (short duration)

• Dizziness

• Light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position

Heat rash

A skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

Heat rash symptoms

• Red clusters of pimples or small blisters

• Usually, it appears on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

How to avoid heat illness in a heat wave

1. Find places to cool down. There are many cooling centers and places to beat the heat in New York City. You can find them here.

2. Use low-cost methods to keep your house cooler. FEMA recommends using fans.

3. Cool off in water. A list of New York City public pools can be found here.

4. Check in with your neighbors, friends, and family.

5. Know the signs of heat-related illness.

Experts recommend not taking any heat-related illness lightly — seek medical attention immediately.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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