Long Island weather: Heat wave starts Saturday

This weekend is going to be a scorcher.

Long Island residents are bracing for at least three straight days in the 90s — one of the hottest weekends of the summer.

The predicted heat wave has prompted warnings from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, local officials and the National Weather Service.

Cuomo urged New Yorkers to take “all necessary precautions.”

“This type of weather can be especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions,” he said. “ … And if you do visit beaches and pools, be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing.”

Heat and humidity Saturday are forecast to be mostly in the lower 90s, but the heat index could reach 95 in a few spots. Added humidity Sunday and Monday could make it feel more than 100 degrees, forecasters said.

Public beaches and pools are required to maintain capacity at 50% for social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Town of Hempstead is extending pool hours with lifeguards on duty until 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and beaches open with lifeguards until 7 p.m.

Long Beach officials are bracing for large crowds while trying to limit visitors to beaches and the boardwalk.

Last week nearly all beaches in Nassau, Hempstead and Jones Beach had reached capacity by noon.

The state Parks Department advised motorists to be prepared for heavy traffic delays near Jones Beach on Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory for Sunday for lower New York State including Long Island.

Nassau County will open cooling centers at the Cantiague Park Administration Office, 480 W. John St, Hicksville, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; the Wantagh Administration Building, 1 King Rd., Wantagh, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and the Mitchel Field Administration Building, 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advises that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity.

With Joan Gralla

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.com,john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury,

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.