How to stay cool during first potential heat wave of summer in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Tri-State is gearing up for its first potential heat wave of 2023.

It's important for residents to understand the risks of this heat and know how to stay cool.

Every year, extreme heat kills more people than any other type severe weather.

Temperatures in New York City built into the 90s on Thursday and feels like temperatures exceeded 100.

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.

The city's cooling centers will be open Thursday through Saturday. Residents can locate them on the city's online cooling center finder.

Local intermediate and Olympic size pools will be open for an extra hour until 8pm.

The effects of extreme heat on your body are similar to what happens when you work out.

Sweating is not as effective at cooling you down. Your heart pumps faster and your kidneys work harder.

Officials are urging resident to drink plenty of water and refrain from sun exposure for large amounts of time.

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 beginning Thursday and continuing through Saturday at select locations.

Westchester County

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

Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont announced he would activate Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocol Thursday morning. Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org for a list of cooling centers throughout the state.

New York City

Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City would open 500 cooling centers starting Thursday. 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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