Temperatures are expected to soar in Binghamton and across New York as a heat wave makes its way to the region in the final week of June.
A hazardous weather outlook released by the Binghamton National Weather Service warns of oppressive heat and humidity starting June 22 and continuing through June 24 for the Binghamton area. Heat index values in the upper 90s to low 100s are expected with “little relief” at night due to the elevated humidity.
Binghamton National Weather Service Meteorologist Jake Chalupsky said the temperature is expected to reach the low to mid 90s on June 22 with a peak heat index from 2-7 p.m. Those high temperatures will continue through June 25.
The air quality may also be affected as temperatures spike, according to Chalupsky, making it more difficult to withstand the heat throughout the week.
As we approach the upcoming heat wave, here are a few ways to stay safe.
Staying hydrated, what to eat in the heat
The National Weather Service recommends eating light, cool and easy-to-digest foods like fruit or salads as temperatures rise. If you’re planning a day out in the sun, pack food in a cooler or carry an ice pack and don’t leave it sitting in the sun.
As for hydration, it’s important to drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, continue to drink water throughout the day, especially when exposed to severe heat.
Outdoor activities
While you may feel tempted to take advantage of the sunny weather, be mindful and reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
Children, infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to high temperatures. If you or someone you know is spending time outside, be sure to take breaks and stay in the coolest available location.
What you wear has an impact on the amount of heat you are exposed to. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. If possible, limit the amount of time you spend in direct contact with the sun and reapply sunscreen often.
Cool down
Keep your residence cool by using air conditioning if it is available to you. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, libraries, malls and other public locations are available if you need to cool down.
Electric fans are also able to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air. Be sure not to direct the airflow of the fan directly toward yourself when the room temperature is hotter than 90 degrees. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster and could be dangerous.
Keeping vulnerable people safe
Older people or people with medical conditions may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia, according to the NWS.
If you know someone who is more susceptible to the severe heat, be sure to check in on them and make sure they stay safe during the upcoming heat wave.
Broome County has a list of available cooling stations for residents to use during heat waves at broomecountyny.gov. Homeless housing resources are also listed at gobroomecounty.com and more heat health tips are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton heat wave: How to stay cool as temperatures may rise to triple digits
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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