BUFFALO, New York (WWNY) – With a temperature of 93 degrees Thursday afternoon, Watertown tied a record set in 1993 for July 6, according to the National Weather Service.
The heat index for Watertown, the “feels like” temperature, was 98 degrees, according to 7 News weathercaster Kris Hudson. The Weather Service is advising people to stay inside if they can.
Unofficially, it was even hotter. The marquee in front of the State Office Building in downtown Watertown read 95 degrees.
It wasn’t much better elsewhere – a 91 degree reading was noted in Canton.
There’s a heat advisory until 8 p.m. for northern and southwestern St. Lawrence County, Jefferson County, Lewis County, and a large swath through central and western New York.
Compounding the heat: high humidity.
It’s the humidity that makes it feel hotter than what a thermometer reads.
At Taylor Park beach in Canton, even the lifeguards were bothered by the heat.
“It’s tough sitting in the chair for 20 minutes. It’s better if you can sit in the water. Definitely you need to drink a lot of water,” said Olivia Cero.
As always, forecasters say people should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if they can, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
They recommend that people take extra precautions if they work or spend time outside and to reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening if they can. Lightweight and loose-fitting clothing is advised.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Also, officials say to call 911 if anyone is suffering from heat stroke.
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