Sweltering Heat and Air Quality Alerts in Rochester: How to Stay Safe
The Rochester area and much of Upstate New York are set to experience some of the hottest weather of the year this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for Monroe and surrounding counties from Monday at noon to Thursday at 8 p.m. Temperatures will soar into the 90s, with humidity making it feel over 100 degrees at times.
Health Precautions and Advisories
With the intense heat, the NWS advises residents to:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Seek Air Conditioning: Stay in air-conditioned environments as much as possible.
- Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Keep an eye on relatives and neighbors who might be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Additionally, there is an Air Quality Alert from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday due to high levels of ground-level ozone. The New York State Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activities, particularly for the very young, elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Impact on Schools and Community Facilities
Due to the heat advisory, the Rochester City School District (RCSD) will implement an early dismissal schedule for students in grades PreK through 8 starting Tuesday, June 18, for the remainder of the week. All after-school activities are canceled, but students will be provided lunch before dismissal. High school students will continue their scheduled final and Regents exams.
To combat the heat in schools:
- Fans will be available throughout the buildings.
- Light, breathable clothing is encouraged.
- Students are advised to bring their own water bottles.
Community Support and Resources
To help residents cope with the heat:
- The City of Rochester will extend hours at all R-Centers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday, June 18 through Friday, June 21. These centers will provide programming and meals.
- Mayor Malik Evans announced a Cool Sweep operation where R-Centers, certain library branches, spray parks, and other facilities will stay open for extended hours. This initiative aims to provide safe and comfortable spaces for residents to escape the heat.
For more details on the Cool Sweep schedule, visit the city’s website.
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By following these guidelines and utilizing available resources, Rochester residents can stay safe and comfortable during this extreme heat wave.
Reference Article:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/excessive-heat-watch-starts-today-070130949.html