Hey Bronx! How Do YOU Cool Off During This Heatwave?!

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How do you beat the heat? Cold fresh fruit? Walk around with an umbrella? How about a coquito? Or maybe Mr Softee?

Yes it may be stating the obvious but it is too hot out on these Bronx streets! Sure it’s summer but this heatwave we have going on has been a bit excessive and looking at the forecast there is no end until Sunday with the 90°+ temps!

How do you like to cool off and what ever happened to piraguas?!

Oh and don’t forget to check out this alert from the New York City Office of Emergency Management:

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Whatever happened to piraguas? Growing up in the South Bronx in the 70s and 80s you couldn't walk a few blocks in the summer without running into the piragua.

Excessive heat and humidity through the end of the week.

Heat Advisory now in effect until midnight EDT tonight.

Excessive Heat Warning in effect from 11 am to 8 pm EDT Friday.

The National Weather Service in New York has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is in effect from 11 am to 8 pm EDT Friday.

Locations: the five boroughs of New York City.
Hazards: combination of high levels of heat and humidity.
Heat Index values: up to 102 this evening, and then up to 106 on Friday.
Timing: Highest heat index values will occur during the afternoon and early evening hours.
Impacts: If no protective action is taken, initial impacts include fatigue. Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion are also possible.
Recommended actions
A Heat Advisory is issued for New York City when high humidity is expected to combine with hot temperatures to make it feel like it is at least 95 degrees for two consecutive days or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an Air-conditioned room, stay out of the Sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule Strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
New York City residents should call 3-1-1 or visit http://www.nyc.gov/oem to identify cooling center locations and to obtain Beat the Heat Safety Tips.
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. Heat Stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

Heat Index (HI) values forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days (Typical values: 1) Maximum daytime HI>=105°F north to110°F south and 2) Minimum nighttime lows >=75°F). Note: The Excessive Heat Warning/Heat Advisory criteria is highly variable in different parts of the country due to climate variability and the effect of excessive heat on the local population. Source: nws.noaa.gov

Ed García Conde

Ed García Conde is a life-long Bronxite who spends his time documenting the people, places, and things that make the borough a special place in the hopes of dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with The Bronx. His writings are often cited by mainstream media and is often consulted for his expertise on the borough's rich history.