New York Possibly Heading Into Third Heat Wave Of 2017
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- On day one of what is expected to be the third heat wave of 2017, New Yorkers were doing whatever they could to keep cool.
People in Midtown could be seen wearing hats with big brims, drinking plenty of water and seeking shade in Madison Square Park or a cool spot wherever else they could find it.
"I'm just looking for a place with air conditioning and am going to spend the rest of the time there," said Adriaan Vanderbergh of Germany.
Meagan Johnson, of River Edge, New Jersey, however, was loving the heat.
"It's beautiful, I love the heat," she said. "If there wasn't any humidity that would be better for my hair."
Riders on the subway were sweating it out.
"If you're outside and walking you're fine. When you're just standing and soaking in it here it's not great," rider Summer Moran said.
"It's bad. I really try to escape the city during the summer because this is my main mode of transportation," Eli Krauss of the Upper West Side said, adding that he tries his best to maintain personal space. "When it gets crowded on the subway the body heat is what makes it bad."
"It's brutal on the platforms," said Park Slope resident Josh Rabinowitz. "What I did was take a local a few stops to get some air conditioning."
Dr. Lawrence Phillips, of NYU Langone Medical Center, urged people to be proactive, not reactive.
"I think people would be shocked to know how easy it is to develop heat exhaustion," he said. "First, think about what you're wearing."
Ideally, put on light colored, light texture clothing.
"To avoid restricting the body and developing increased heat," Phillips continued.
Second, stay hydrated.
"Increasing your fluid intake is very important on a daily basis, as well as throughout the day," Phillips said.
Anthony Barbiero said he's used to this, since he works outside for a living. He does his research before stepping out for the day.
"I drink a lot of water," he told CBS2's Vanessa Murdock. "I listen to you guys. John Elliott and you."
Phillips said too often people show signs of heat exhaustion and don't acknowledge them.
Watch out for heart palpitations or fluttering in your chest, shallow breathing and changes in sweating, like if you go from heavy sweating to not sweating at all.
"That means your body has gone beyond its reaction and it's gone into survival mode," Phillips said.
Furry friends also need help staying safe when the mercury soars. Veterinarian Shian Simms said if your pet is not urinating or is lethargic, those are signs of dehydration.
A heat advisory was in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.
