Weather Service Issues Two-Day Heat Advisory – Find Bensonhurst’s Cooling Centers, And More Info

The National Weather Service this morning issued a heat advisory for New York City until 6 p.m. tomorrow, cautioning vulnerable populations to stay cool if they can.

With temperatures expected to hit the low-90s today and tomorrow, with high humidity and possible thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings, people without air conditioning, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions are at risk. The city is urging these populations to avoid strenuous activity and stay indoors, with air conditioning if possible. Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing and keep hydrated with water.

Additionally, the city has opened cooling centers will be open. Most local centers are open until 4:00 p.m. today. Here are the five closest centers to the 86th Street and Bay Parkway intersection.

• Bensonhurst Senior Center – 7802 Bay Parkway
• Highlawn Library – 1664 West 13th Street
• New Utrecht Library – 1743 86th Street
• Ulmer Park Library – 2602 Bath Avenue
• CCNS Narrows at the Lodge Neighborhood Senior Center – 7711 18th Avenue

More centers, and the hours of operation, can be found using this Office of Emergency Management web tool.

Since this weather is certain to continue over the next few months, be sure to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Here are some of the signs:

• Heat exhaustion
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Excessive thirst
  • Muscle aches and cramps
  • Fainting
• Heat stroke
  • Hot, flushed, dry skin
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Decreased sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or delirium

You can find more about the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion at WebMD.

Of course, you can always take the day off and spend it in one of our local, air conditioned libraries, or take in a movie, or, heck, just ride the air-conditioned subway all day long.

Stay cool!