Baby, It's Hot Outside—And It's Going to Stay That Way All Week!

It wasn't even 6 a.m. and the National Weather Service (NWS) was reporting it was 77 degrees and the humidity was at 88 percent in Port Chester on Monday.

And that's probably the coolest it's going to be all day.

Brace yourselves, it's going to be another hot, sticky week, according to the NWS forecast. And there isn't any rain in sight. The NWS has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Monday, July 15.

According to the NWS, a heat advisory is "Issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than 3 hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for 2 consecutive days."

Here's the forecast for this week:

• Today: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northwest wind around 9 mph.
• Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. North wind 3 to 7 mph.
• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. North wind 6 to 9 mph.
• Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
• Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
• Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
• Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Saturday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Stay cool by visiting public buildings or facilities that are air conditioned such as the Rye Brook-Port Chester Library, the Rye Free Reading Room or the Port Chester Senior Center. 

Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke. They include:

·       Body temperature greater than or equal to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

·       Skin that is hot and dry with red spots.

·       Mental confusion.

·       Loss of consciousness

·       Convulsions

Note: If you are experiencing these symptoms, dial 911 or visit a hospital emergency room.

Be Prepared for the Extreme Heat Conditions:

·       Have the phone number of your family doctor clearly posted next to your phone (and stored in your cellular phone).

·       Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

·       Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

·       Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the movies, shopping mall, public library, or a friend’s house/apartment with air conditioning–even a few hours spent in an air conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat .(See listing of designated cooling centers below)

·       Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

·       Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

·       NEVER leave any person or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.

·       Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.

·       If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.

·       Try to rest often in shady areas.

·       Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).