Intense heat is looking likely for the five boroughs this week, mainly Tuesday through Friday. A weather pattern called a heat dome is expected to form over the region. Several days of temperatures near or above 90 degrees are in store. Now is the time to make a plan for how you'll keep healthy and cool during the heat. 

What You Need To Know

  • A heat wave is three consecutive days of 90 degrees or more

  • The hottest temperatures of the year are likely for Tuesday through Friday

  • Poor air quality is likely to accompany the soaring temperatures

  • The heat will be from a jet stream pattern known as a heat dome

What is a heat dome?

This is a term, similar to polar vortex or bomb cyclone, that has been used by meteorologists for a long time but not by the general public. Lately, though, it's becoming more commonly used. The term heat dome is not recognized by the National Weather Service as an official word, but the American Meteorological Society does acknowledge it. Here's what their definition is: "Exceptionally hot air mass that develops when high pressure aloft prevents warm air below from rising." In simpler terms, it's a stuck air mass that puts a lid on the atmosphere. This traps all the hot air at the surface and doesn't allow it to rise and escape. The result can be a prolonged period of hot conditions. 

Our first heat wave?

Did you know that a heat wave actually has a specific definition? Also, the definition of a heat wave varies by geographic location. For New York City, a heat wave is three consecutive days where temperatures are at or above 90 degrees. In Sweden, a heat wave is five consecutive days above 82 degrees. The forecast is for at least three days of 90-degree temperatures during the peak of the heat. So far in 2024, we'd had no days in the 90s. The average number of 90-degree days for New York City in June is three. 

Keeping your cool

Heat can be deadly. According to NYC Emergency Management, over 300 people died in 2023 in New York City due to heat-related illnesses. When intense heat happens this summer, try and get into air conditioning for a few hours each day. The city has cooling centers and can also help with the purchase of air conditioning units. Drink extra water. Work out early or late in the day. Check on your neighbors. Make sure your pets get shorter walks and extra water. Never leave a person or a pet in a closed car; it can be deadly in a very short time. 

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.