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Health & Fitness

Community Update

Yes, folks it's an official heat wave through Friday, with heat advisory in Westchester County, including scarsdale, NY 10583


 

Find out what's happening in Scarsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We have a real heat advisory and they aren't kidding people -- meaning this is "dangerous hot," as we say in my family.  The National Weather Service warned that this oppressive air and heat could worsen by today and Friday, when the heat index may reach 105 degrees in parts of the tri-state area and Westchester County.  Our home, business and car air conditioners are going to be working overtime.

(Call me if you end up with condensation and a water puddle, or bit of flooding from a failing air conditioner or HVAC system.  We have great HVAC and plumber contacts on our go-to contractors list, too!

Find out what's happening in Scarsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

This week's heat advisory remains in effect through Friday.  With heat and humity, it feels like the low 100s F in Westchester, and our triple digit heat index continues into tomorrow.  

For those with breathing issues, there is a lot of "particulate" being held over us in this heat. So stay in air cooled air as much as possible. This southern air flow ends into Saturday, but real feel tomorrow is expected to be 105 F, even at only 96 on your thermostats.

 

What is a "Heat Wave" you may ask?  Here are some of the reasons why our 90s temps fee like we're in the southwest -- but it's NOT a dry heat -- and why the area is under a weeklong  heat advisory:

 

* hazards...combination of high levels of heat and humidity can cause exhaustion and there has already been on heat related death in the New York City region.

* heat index values...around 100 degrees because of temps in the 90s, combined with high humidity.

* timing...into Friday evening...and ending with new system and rain storms moving in Saturday afternoon.

* impacts...persons outdoors for prolonged periods and those with allergies should drink plenty of water, but will be at risk for heat-related health issues.


A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected for a day, or two or three -- and, in our case ALL week. the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity combine and create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. 

So, drink plenty of fluids like water, juice and vitamin water -- remember, coffee and tea are diaretic and we're losing enough water by sweating.  Last, try to stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and seek shade, even at a pool or lakeside and check up on relatives and neighbors.  

I listed the CDC's quick Safety Tips list below and my own to the right for your easy reference, or to print and post at work...:


Precautionary / Preparedness actions...

  • take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
  • when possible, reschedule sports or 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 if possible
  • drink plenty of water.                                                     

Heat related illness from overexertion


Our home in Fleetwood, near Bronxville and Scarsdale, NY is an 1800s Colonial that was built for a cross breeze.  But, some idiot in the 1950s boxed in the wrap around porch, closed up windows and created a vortex of heat.  

 

So, in the heat last year, my husband brought in a movable AC unit that could launch a space shuttle...and that helps in the evenings, downstairs.

 

 

We have not put in central air in the year we've owned our antique home, so we're left with "window shaker" AC units in bedrooms and my husband's man-cave.  Fans do the rest, along with R2D2 style AC noted above.

 

For anyone working outdoors, plus the young, the elderly and immune suppressed and anyone with allergies, you really want to beat the heat by staying out it through Friday evening.  

I felt a breeze for the first time in 2 days this morning, watering our poor Japanese maple in the pic above and the flowers we've put in.  We should see some relief with rainstorms coming in this Saturday...and by Sunday, we'll be back to normal in the high 80s.

FYI:  Con Edison says it's prepared for possible power outages and will have extra crews on call for the duration of the heat wave. The utility company implemented a $1.2 billion upgrade to their power delivery system earlier this year, which should ensure "the undisturbed flow of electricity to consumers." 

So, here's the skinny, since we're losing so much water weight in sweat equity:  Stay in the AC as much as possible.  If you do not have central air, or Con Ed has a rolling blackout on power to your home / business:  Most towns in Westchester are offering cooling centers for seniors or anyone without air conditioning available. That's at libraries and community centers through Friday.  Just call your closest town library or town hall for details.  

Stay cool everyone!

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