Beachgoers flock to the shore to beat the extreme heat in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Crowds flocked to beaches in New Jersey and across the Tri-State area on Friday, as people looked for some relief amid the potential first heat wave of the summer.

Temperatures are expected to remain above 90 degrees through Saturday.

The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for much of the Tri-State area through 9 p.m. Saturday. Excessive heat warnings remain in effect further south in parts of New Jersey.

Many residents headed to the Jersey Shore as a way to beat the heat on Friday.

The water temperature there was 78 degrees, which is close to the maximum for our region. Experts are watching to see if it will climb any higher.

"We're at the climatologic max for summer temperatures for the air, the sea tends to follow a little bit behind, so there's a chance we'll see it creep up a little bit more," Rutgers professor and climatologist Dr. David Robinson said.

Those water temperatures are being studied by marine biologists. They are concerned because warmer water depletes oxygen and marine animals suffer.

"One of the things that we are always most concerned is this is when we start see things like fish kills," marine biologist Paul Bologna said.

Otherwise, it was a perfect beach day.

"Growing up in Monmouth County, this was always the place to be, still is the place to be especially on a hot day, doesn't get better than this," Tiffany Friedman said.

Fortunately, there is some relief on the way starting on Sunday, with scattered thunderstorms expected to bring temperatures back down below 90 degrees.

Below you can find resources for beating the heat in your area.

New York

Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York State swimming facilities would offer extended hours through Saturday at select locations.

Westchester County

Westchester County Parks' pools and beaches will stay open one hour longer through Saturday.

Connecticut

Connecticut residents can call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org for a list of cooling centers throughout the state.

New York City

New York City has opened 500 cooling centers across the five boroughs. To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, New Yorkers can call 311 or visit the City's Cooling Center Finder.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

Use "spray caps" to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

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