New York City is heading into a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat, with forecasters warning that temperatures could climb to 100 degrees by the end of the week — a mark the city has not reached since 2012. Officials are urging residents to take precautions as oppressive heat and humidity grip the region.

The heat wave officially arrived Wednesday, when temperatures climbed into the mid-90s. Meteorologists say the sweltering conditions are expected to continue for at least four days, with Thursday – Shivah Assar B’Tammuz –  and Friday likely bringing the most intense heat.

According to AccuWeather, daytime highs on both Thursday and Friday could reach 100 degrees, creating hazardous conditions across the city.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Carl Erickson noted that Central Park last recorded a temperature of 100 degrees on July 18, 2012, a reading that tied the hottest day the city has experienced since 1966.

Wednesday’s high reached 94 degrees, and forecasters warned that unstable weather could trigger thunderstorms later in the evening.

Erickson said Thursday’s combination of extreme heat and high humidity could make it feel as hot as 110 degrees, even if the actual temperature tops out around 100.

Those same oppressive conditions are expected to continue into Friday, with another round of possible evening thunderstorms fueled by the intense heat and moisture in the atmosphere.

“If you have to be out tomorrow and Friday, make sure to take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water and electrolytes,” Erickson said. “Limit your time outside to before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., when the heat is expected to be at its worst.”

The heavy humidity is also expected to prevent temperatures from dropping much overnight, leaving residents with little opportunity to cool down. Erickson said the overnight conditions are likely to make for a “miserable time.”

The heat should ease somewhat on Shabbos, when highs are forecast to reach about 95 degrees. However, forecasters are also predicting strong afternoon thunderstorms, with rain chances around 55 percent, potentially disrupting Independence Day weekend plans.

By Sunday, temperatures are expected to top out around 90 degrees before a new round of storms moves through, bringing cooler, more typical summer weather by Monday.

In response to the dangerous conditions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a heat emergency and announced expanded efforts to help residents stay safe. As part of the initiative, LINK NYC kiosks throughout the city will guide people to the nearest cooling centers.

“The single most important thing you can do in these temperatures is to stay indoors with air conditioning,” Mamdani said in a news conference.

“If you can avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day, please do so,” the mayor added.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has placed New York City, the Lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, northern New Jersey, and western Connecticut under an extreme heat watch from noon Wednesday through 9 p.m. Friday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said state officials are actively monitoring the situation, working with local governments to ensure cooling centers remain available while also keeping a close watch on the stability of the state’s electrical grid as energy demand rises.

{Matzav.com}