The National Weather Service predicts heat index values of up to 110 degrees this weekend. The agency issued an excessive heat warning that started this afternoon and lasts until Sunday evening Aug. 14 at 10:00 p.m. It is predicted to get hottest mid to late afternoon.
The heat index measures how hot the weather feels by factoring in the temperature with the relative humidity. Middletown is predicted to have high temperatures of 92 degrees on Saturday and 90 degrees on Sunday, with humidity of 73 percent and 71 percent.
The City of Newburgh has already taken measures to keep citizens cool by designating the Activity Center at 401 Washington St. as a Cooling Center that will provide a cool environment for local residents to escape extreme heat. Newburgh also offered advice to residents on keeping safe in extreme heat conditions:
- Drink more fluids; don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol and caffeine which dehydrate the body.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
- Always use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.
- Eat small meals and more often.
- Slow down. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4 and 7 am.
- When temperatures are extreme, stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place.
- Never leave anyone, a person or animal in a parked vehicle.
