Heat Advisory In Effect for Long Island Through Friday Evening

A heat advisory covering all of Long Island remained in effect Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, with forecasters warning that a combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity will make conditions feel as dangerous as triple-digit heat in many areas.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory starting at 11 a.m. Thursday. While actual air temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-to-upper 80s, a high-pressure system offshore is pushing warm, humid air in from the southwest, driving heat index values well above what thermometers alone would suggest.

Forecasters said heat index values could climb as high as 105 degrees in parts of western Suffolk County, with Syosset expected to feel around 103 degrees, Stony Brook around 102 and Islip around 100. The East End may see slightly lower real-feel temperatures, with Riverhead at approximately 97 degrees and Montauk around 96.

Residents are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity, stay well-hydrated and take shelter in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day. Officials said people who must be outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas.

Beachgoers seeking relief from the heat should be aware that ocean beaches carry a moderate risk of rip currents Thursday. Swimmers are urged to enter the water only in areas supervised by lifeguards.

The extreme heat is also expected to fuel afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain and localized flash flooding through at least Saturday. The highest chance for significant rainfall is Friday afternoon and evening.

Forecast models show hot conditions persisting through the weekend, with heat index values likely staying in the 90s to low 100s into Sunday and possibly Monday.