Scorching heat in the Rye forecast this week has prompted early school dismissals and beach openings, as officials urge residents to take precautions amid rising health concerns.
Temperatures are forecast to climb between 95 degrees and a record-breaking 107 degrees through mid-week, with highs reaching 105 on Monday and Tuesday, before dipping down to a heat index of 99 Wednesday.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in Westchester County on Sunday, along with 31 other counties in New York state. County officials opened select beaches and pools ahead of schedule on Monday to help residents beat the heat.
Playland Beach in Rye will be open beginning Monday, Jun. 23 through Labor Day, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., according to a Westchester County press release from Saturday.
The beach was originally set to open on Friday.
The Rye Neck school district plans to let elementary and middle school students out early through Thursday, with Rye Neck Middle School’s dismissal scheduled for 11 a.m., Daniel Warren Elementary School at 11:15 a.m., and F.E. Bellows Elementary School at 11:30 a.m.
The county Health Department is urging residents to “drink lots of water, avoid over-exertion and to check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.”
Additionally, the Rye Free Reading Room will operate as a cooling center during the record-breaking heat wave, providing a cool space for those who do not have air conditioning as well as residents whose homes get too warm. The library will operate under normal hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday.
The Rye Brook Public Library, Harrison Public Library, and West Harrison Branch will also serve as cooling centers nearby.
“Please take this heat seriously. When it is this hot and humid, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take frequent breaks from outdoor work if it cannot be rescheduled,” Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said. “Take time to cool off and spend time in air-conditioned places.”
Amler urged infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults, and those with heart disease or other respiratory or heart conditions to spend less time outdoors until the air quality improves and the temperature cools.
The heat wave is unprecedented as temperatures typically range from 80 to 85 in New York City during this time of the year. Temperatures in Central Park could break 100 degrees for the first time in 13 years, according to reports.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge resident to avoid alcohol or caffeine, as well as attempt to stay cool by misting your skin, blocking sunlight with dark sheets, and limiting outdoor activity to early mornings or evenings.
Health officials also warn to look out for symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustions such as dizziness, nausea, or confusion, especially in kids and older adults, and call 911 if signs of heat stroke appear.
