NEW YORK (PIX11) – This is another hot one. Clouds kept temperatures from skyrocketing into the 90s a bit in some places. But it certainly didn’t feel like it.
The intense heat drew people to Coney Island for relief on Friday. But with all the fun of the beach comes the hassle of braving the elements.
When it comes to weather-related deaths, heat ranks number one. The National Weather Service reported 190 heat-related deaths last year with an average of 158 heat-related deaths over a 30-year period.
A major factor is the urban heat island effect. While suburbs and rural areas tend to be cooler due to more green space, urban areas could get over 20 degrees warmer. Why? Heat is emitted by cars, buildings and factories. Asphalt and dark roofs also retain heat.
Another reason is how cold it can be at night, especially in the city. Heat is absorbed more rapidly at the surface during the day and slowly released to the atmosphere at night. It is typical for nighttime temperatures to only dip into the upper 70s or lower 80s in the city. Some may not have air conditioning or cannot open windows for security reasons. This makes it harder for the body to cool down at night.
It is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you suffer from heat exhaustion, you may feel weak, dizzy, and experience excessive sweating and muscle cramps. In the case of heatstroke, people do not sweat, have throbbing headaches, red, dry skin, or loss of consciousness.
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