Thunderstorms hit the five boroughs Monday evening after the city flirted with near-record temperatures and very humid weather.
A WET EVENING AFTER A SWELTERING DAY
A line of showers and thunderstorms soaked the city in the evening, while another round of showers and storms may hit the city after midnight.
The rain was heavy in the northern parts of the city around 9 p.m. before the storms moved out to the south and east.
The temperature dropped from its mark of 91 degrees this afternoon to about 75 by 11 p.m.
There could be showers and storms in the five boroughs Tuesday morning.
A SLIGHTLY COOLER TUESDAY
Tuesday is forecast to be cooler and less humid thanks to a cold front coming through from Canada. The rest of the week is expected to be cooler than Monday.
But temperatures Tuesday are forecast to be well into the 80s in a sunny afternoon.
The second half of the week will see temperatures drop back to more seasonable levels in the low 80s.
Sunday's high was 92 degrees. An official heat wave is marked by at least three consecutive days over 90 degrees.
Although it came close, Monday has not been the hottest day of the year; the city reached 92 degrees May 3.
Monday marked the fourth 90 degree day in New York City this year; the average number is 15.
NEW YORKERS ADVISED TO LIMIT ACTIVITY OUTDOORS
An air quality alert was in effect for the third day in a row.
Officials recommended that young children, and people who work or exercise outdoors, limit activity in the afternoon and evening.
People with respiratory diseases like asthma were also advised to be careful.
SAFETY TIPS DURING THE HEAT
With the heat, it is important to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and drink often.
Remember to check in on elderly neighbors and those with breathing issues.
The city has not set up any cooling centers at this point. They usually open after two consecutive days of 95 degrees or warmer.
If you are looking for a way to cool off, city beaches are open. For more info, visit nycgovparks.org.
Temperatures are also high enough to restrict horse-drawn carriages. The horses were being kept off the streets through the afternoon heat.
POWER OUTAGES
While fewer than 3,500 Con Edison customers were out of power as of 10:42 p.m., the agency has asked customers in more than a dozen Staten Island neighborhoods to conserve energy while its crews work to repair equipment problems and not sure air conditioners if they are not needed to health or medical reasons.
Con Edison has asked customers in New Brighton, St. George, Tompkinsville, Brighton Heights, Ward Hill, Stapleton, Grymes Hill, Clifton, Silver Lake, Rosebank, Ft. Wadsworth, Grasmere, Concord, Arrochar, South Beach, Ocean Breeze, Midland Beach, Grant City, New Dorp, and Dongan Hills not to use energy-intensive appliances such as washers and microwaves.
Call 1-800 75CONED if your power is out. See Con Edison's outage map to see the latest information on when power will return.
During any power outage, you are advised to:
- Stay clear of downed power lines
- Turn off all appliances
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food from going bad
- Do not use generators indoors