NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County is set to experience an intense heatwave starting Tuesday, bringing soaring temperatures and high humidity that are expected to last until the beginning of July. The heatwave, part of a larger weather pattern affecting the East Coast and Midwest, could potentially set temperature records breaking the 100-degree mark, and – if residents and others are not prepared – pose significant health risks.
According to the National Weather Service as of 6/17/24, these are the projected temperatures for Rockland over the next two weeks:
Daily Weather Forecast
- Tuesday, June 18: Partly Cloudy, 92°/68°, 8% precipitation, SSW 10 mph
- Wednesday, June 19: Partly Cloudy, 93°/69°, 3% precipitation, SSW 9 mph
- Thursday, June 20: Partly Cloudy, 96°/73°, 4% precipitation, WSW 9 mph
- Friday, June 21: PM Thunderstorms, 94°/70°, 58% precipitation, WNW 6 mph
- Saturday, June 22: Scattered Thunderstorms, 85°/68°, 49% precipitation, NW 7 mph
- Sunday, June 23: Scattered Thunderstorms, 87°/71°, 40% precipitation, S 11 mph
- Monday, June 24: PM Thunderstorms, 88°/66°, 44% precipitation, WSW 11 mph
- Tuesday, June 25: Sunny, 86°/65°, 4% precipitation, NNW 8 mph
- Wednesday, June 26: Mostly Sunny, 88°/68°, 18% precipitation, WSW 8 mph
- Thursday, June 27: Partly Cloudy, 89°/65°, 24% precipitation, WSW 9 mph
- Friday, June 28: Partly Cloudy, 87°/66°, 24% precipitation, W 9 mph
- Saturday, June 29: Mostly Sunny, 90°/68°, 15% precipitation, W 9 mph
- Sunday, June 30: Partly Cloudy, 91°/69°, 20% precipitation, SW 9 mph
- Monday, July 1: PM Showers, 93°/72°, 36% precipitation, SW 9 mph
Health Advisory from the Rockland County Department of Health
In light of the forecasted extreme heat, the Rockland County Department of Health has issued crucial guidelines to help residents stay safe:
- Stay Cool: Use air-conditioning and stay indoors during peak heat hours. If air-conditioning is not available at home, seek public cooling centers or air-conditioned places like libraries and malls. Ensure cooling centers are open before visiting.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. Those with fluid restrictions should consult their healthcare provider.
- Beat the Heat: Take cool showers or baths and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Dress Appropriately: Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen. Use ventilated hats when outdoors.
- Medication Awareness: Some medications can increase heat-related illness risks. Consult with healthcare providers about any necessary adjustments.
- Safety for All: Never leave children, pets, or individuals with special needs in parked cars. Ensure pets are protected from hot surfaces and have plenty of water.
- Check on Others: Regularly check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially vulnerable populations such as older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
- Monitor Air Quality: Stay informed about air quality and limit outdoor activities if necessary.
Broader Impact
A strong heat dome is driving these extreme conditions, potentially making this heatwave one of the longest and most intense in decades for many regions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has activated the National Guard to assist in the state’s response, emphasizing the severe risk posed by the heatwave, which has led to a rise in heat-related deaths in recent years.
According to NBC News, the heatwave is part of a broader phenomenon affecting a significant portion of the United States. As of Monday, nearly 66 million people were under heat alerts, with temperatures expected to reach above 90 degrees for about 150 million people and over 100 degrees for approximately 9 million people.
Separately, Senator Skoufis and Assemblyman Eachus joined NYSUT President Melinda Person and representatives from the Orange County-based Monroe-Woodbury Central School District to laud the passage of a new bill, (S.3397A/A.9011A) which establishes a maximum temperature in school buildings and indoor facilities.
While the state has long imposed a minimum temperature in school buildings, there had previously been no statutory limit on maximum temperatures, creating health and safety risks for students, faculty members, and school employees. This bill requires schools take affirmative steps to cool classrooms once they reach 82 degrees; if a room reaches 88 degrees, the space is deemed too hot to continue occupying.
However, this bill would not go into effect, nor be enforceable until the NYS Governor signs it into law, after which the earliest enforceable date would be in September of 2025.
Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of extreme heat. For more information and resources, visit the New York State Department of Health website.
Stay safe, Rockland County. The summer heat is here, and it’s crucial to be prepared.
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