A hot, hazy, humid air mass will impact the northeast once again, bringing unhealthy air with it. Due to the dangers associated with the heat and air quality, officials have issued different advisories for the expected conditions. People the impacted area should take precautions to limit exposure to the high heat or dangerous air.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for large parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and a small part of Maine. With air temperatures in the low to mid 90s and dewpoints near 70, the heat index values in the region will be in the low 100s. The highest heat index values will occur during the afternoon into the early evening. The excessive heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.
A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible. The National Weather Service encourages you to drink plenty of fluids., stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. They also advise to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; people should call 911 if they or someone they know is suffering from heat stroke.
The Maryland and New Jersey Departments of the Environment have issued a “code orange” air quality alert for portions of their respective states. A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. Additional information on fine particles and ground-level ozone can be found on the airnow.gov website.
