Heat advisory, flood watch in effect for NYC area Tuesday, officials urge caution

City officials are warning New Yorkers to brace for a mix of potentially dangerous summer weather Tuesday into Wednesday.

Extreme heat is forecast to blanket the metro area from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with hot and humid conditions feeling like 100 degrees. That has triggered a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, which also issued a flood watch for the region from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday, as storms are expected to move in.

New York City Emergency Management has activated its heat emergency plan, so community cooling centers will be open, outreach teams will work to connect homeless people with services and other agencies will monitor for health and safety impacts.

“We’re asking all New Yorkers to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, and head to a cooling center if needed, and don’t forget to check in on older neighbors and family members,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.

Officials said anyone experiencing heat illness symptoms like hot, dry skin, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea or vomiting should call 911.

Strong storms will likely arrive Tuesday afternoon and could dump up to 2 inches of rain on the city, according to forecasters. There could be flooding on roads and highways, underpasses and other low-lying spots.

Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said at a press conference that his agency has activated its flash flood emergency plan.

Officials are urging anyone in basement apartments to prepare to move to higher ground if necessary during heavy rain. They are warning drivers to drive carefully and avoid flooded areas. Anyone who loses power and needs life-sustaining medical equipment should call 911.

Residents should clean out catch basins at home to help prevent any stormwater backup, officials said. They added that beachgoers should beware of rip currents at local beaches through Tuesday evening.

Iscol said public pool hours were extended until 8 p.m. Tuesday so New Yorkers could cool off.

"Let's really minimize the use of electricity so we don't have brownouts or blackouts," Adams said at the press conference, citing the stress on the city's electric grid during extreme heat.

This story has been updated with additional information.