It will be hot in the Big Apple on Wednesday and temperatures will rise to over 35 degrees – before thunderstorms are expected to move in and bring a cold front.
New York City is forecast to see highs of 93 degrees, but humidity will push the heat index up to around 100 degrees at the hottest time of day, Fox Weather meteorologist Jordan Overton told the Post.
A heat warning is in effect for the Big Apple from 11 a.m., and from 2 p.m. there is a 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms.
Wednesday will be the fifth day in August where temperatures will exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit, including a three-day period of hellish temperatures earlier in the month, Overton noted.
“It’s not as unusual as people think. August is very close to the hottest month in New York City, so technically July,” he explained the series of super-hot days.
“It’s just about average.”
The rising mercury comes as the US Open began this week at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens.
The Grand Slam tournament is expected to attract a record 1 million spectators this year, organizers said on Monday.
Meanwhile, an even more drastic heat warning with heat index values of up to 40 degrees Celsius is in effect for parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania between Trenton and Philadelphia, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents are advised to avoid excessive outdoor activities, drink plenty of fluids and, if possible, stay in the shade or in air-conditioned rooms.
The intense heat has already forced the Metuchen School District in Middlesex County, New Jersey, to announce an early dismissal for the first day of school on Wednesday, NJ.com reported.
Heat warnings remain in effect until 8 p.m., after which thunderstorms are expected, ushering in a cold front.
There will not be many storms, but those that develop could be strong to severe, with the risk of wind gusts over 50 mph and heavy hail.
Luckily for New Yorkers, they only have to get through Wednesday before the evening storm and cold front lower temperatures even further. Highs of around 25 degrees Celsius are expected on Thursday.
