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EASTCHESTER, N.Y. The heat wave that has overwhelmed Westchester County with temperatures hovering near 100 degrees has left residents around Eastchester and Tuckahoe looking for ways to amuse themselves while staying cool.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Eastchester reached 99 degrees Wednesday, while heat index values made the temperature feel as high as 105 degrees. Temperatures are expected cool to a more temperate 74 degrees Wednesday night before climbing back to 99 degrees Thursday.
The extreme heat prompted the Westchester County Health Department to issue a heat advisory for Wednesday and Thursday.
Area parks usually filled with children and basketball players were mostly vacant, and business owners reported that, due to the heat, customers were less inclined to head into town, preferring to stick to cooler locales.
Its too hot out. Everyone stays inside. No one wants to come out, said Wond Sin, proprietor of Carvel in Tuckahoe. Everyone is at the pool or going to the mall. Sometimes people will come at night around 9 when it cools down.
In Eastchester, residents not frequenting the Lake Isle pool complex had the option of creating a cool treat at Nuts About Yogurt on Mill Road.
We can offer a good, healthy alternative and a cool environment, owner Charles John said. Its a different concept from ice cream and its self-serve, with a variety of fresh fruit. This is a great place to cool off from the heat.
The Tuckahoe Public Library presents another form of entertainment for families hoping to avoid the stifling temperatures. Youth Services Librarian Ellen Tannenbaum said there are plenty of activities for residents of all ages.
We have something for everyone, from babies to programs for seniors, she said. Weve got toys and puzzles for children and computers for all ages. Theres also our collection of books, movies, audio books and e-books.
With temperatures expected to hover near the 100-degree mark Thursday, Con Edison sent out a message to customers, offering them advice on saving money while remaining cool and safe.
A Yonkers resident found herself stuck in the heat when her car broke down on Columbus Avenue in Tuckahoe. Danielle Mascarelli spent some time at the beach to avoid the heat, but, on her way home, her car seized up. She had to wait more than an hour in the hot sun for a tow truck driver to assist her.
We thought wed go to the beach and cool off there were lots of others there. We just tried to stay in the water, stay cool and keep hydrated, she said. My car broke down on the way back. Im not sure if its heat-related, but Im sure it didnt help. This couldnt have happened on a worse day.
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