NYC is facing its second major heat wave this week

Just as we were starting to enjoy a brief break from the swampy conditions that kicked off July, the city’s air conditioners are about to work overtime again.

After a picture-perfect Monday with sunshine, relatively low humidity and temperatures in the mid-80s, forecasters say another significant heat wave will settle over New York starting Tuesday, with Wednesday expected to be the most dangerous day of the week. Highs are forecast to climb into the mid-to-upper 90s across the city, while the combination of heat and humidity could make it feel anywhere from 100 to 110 degrees.

If temperatures reach at least 90 degrees for three consecutive days, as is currently forecast, this would become New York City’s second official heat wave of the summer. Even if the city falls just short of that technical definition, it will continue adding to what’s already been an unusually hot season. So far, Central Park has logged nine 90-degree days only weeks into the summer, whereas typically an entire year sees about 15.

The upcoming stretch isn’t expected to be quite as brutal as the historic heat wave that scorched the city over the Fourth of July weekend, when some neighborhoods topped 100 degrees and heat index values climbed well above 110. But meteorologists say that doesn’t make this week’s weather any less serious.

Wednesday will bring the most oppressive conditions, with extreme humidity limiting the body’s ability to cool itself through sweat. Heat illnesses become much more common once the heat index climbs above 95 degrees and the risk rises sharply once it exceeds 105. That’s why health officials urge people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink water frequently, seek out air-conditioned spaces and check on older neighbors and anyone without reliable cooling.

We’re not alone in our misery, though. Meteorologists are tracking a sprawling heat dome stretching across large portions of the Lower 48—and experts say it could linger for at least a week, bringing record-breaking temperatures to dozens of states. While New York won’t experience the worst of the nationwide event, the East Coast will once again find itself under dangerously hot and humid conditions as the system shifts eastward.

The good news? This won’t be an endless scorcher.

Most of the workweek should stay dry before thunderstorms return Friday and Saturday. Some of those storms could become strong to severe, potentially bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and welcome relief from the heat heading into the weekend. Until then, plan your subway rides around air conditioning and carry that water bottle everywhere.