School's out for summer. No, really - there's been a heat advisory put in place for New York City on Monday 18 June, with temperatures set to soar to 95 degrees.
The decision to put a warning in place comes after temperatures on Sunday reached 88 degrees and highs of over 100 degrees were forecast for Monday. It hasn't been this hot in the city since 1929 and people are worried.
The advisory, which will be in effect from 11am to 8pm, has warned New Yorkers to stay inside their houses to avoid the severe heat exposure sweeping the city and schools all over the state are taking precautions.
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After all, extreme heat is a massive hazard facing New Yorkers, especially in the summer months when the city can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than its surrounding areas. The city's concrete jungle infrastructure - largely made up of asphalt and metal - traps the heat, making it unbearable for its inhabitants.
One twitter account announced: "Schools will close at 12:45 tomorrow (June 18) because of excessive heat. There will be no after school programs or CASPER."
And while kids everywhere will be kicking off their school shoes and ripping open an ice lolly, extreme heat is no joke and can cause death if not taken seriously - especially for young children and the elderly, who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has urged people living in the tristate area to stay indoors and to avoid any strenuous outdoor activity.
He said: "With prolong heat and humidity in the forecast, I urge New Yorkers to take necessary steps to stay cool.
"As temperatures continue to rise, I encourage everyone to check on your friends and neighbours who may need some extra help and to cool off at state parks pools and cooling centres."
Cooling centres, which are big air-conditioned spaces such as senior centres, community centres, public libraries and other public facilities that operate during daytime hours, will be places for people without air conditioning in their homes or workplaces to cool down amid the high temperatures and increasing humidity. A list of addresses and phone numbers will be shared by the emergency services.
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It won't last for too long, though. The temperatures are set to go back to normal after a morning rain shower on Tuesday and it will be business as usual by Wednesday. By 'normal' we mean the low 80s.
Words: Megan Walsh
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: heatwave, US News, New York