Last week, you probably considered 85 degrees to be sweltering. By Friday, you’ll look forward to 85 degrees as cool.
In the meantime, expect heat indexes in the greater Cortland area to hover in the upper 90s and and around 100 today and Thursday as the National Weather Service continues a heat advisory through Thursday evening. The heat drew around a dozen kids to the spouts and buckets at the Suggett Park splash pad, now open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., said Heather Johnson, Cortland Youth Bureau assistant director. Hours were extended at Yaman Beach, too. On Monday the park went to summer hours, from 3 to 7 p.m. extended to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
These longer hours usually begin after schools close for summer break, Aquatics Director Frederick “F.J.” Ott said Tuesday. He said lifeguards and other staff are prepared for the longer hours.
Virgil resident Sara Potter brought her 6-year-old daughter Harper Potter to the city’s splash pad to escape the heat – and have some fun. Sara Potter intends to take advantage of the splash pad all summer.
“People travel to come here,” Sara Potter said as Harper played, sometimes running toward the waterspouts, sometimes evading them. “There’s not much else like this open right now.”
The state also announced Tuesday afternoon that admission to state parks — including Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia — will be free Wednesday and Thursday. Fillmore Glen will also be open early for swimming.
“Heat like this can be dangerous – New Yorkers should take every precaution to stay cool this week,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday as she activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center. “Stay hydrated, avoid excessive outdoor activity and, if needed, visit a cooling center near you.” Record temperatures are possible in Western, Central, Northern New York, and the Capital Region.
Cortland City Police Chief Paul Sandy said Tuesday morning that he has been trying to arrange a large cooling center for the community that has bathroom facilities and supervision, but he was still trying to make that happen.
Forecasters at the weather service’s office expect high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s Wednesday and Thursday, but the humidity will boost the heat’s effect.
It won’t seem much cooler at night. Expect low temperatures in the upper 60s to mid-70s. All of that will be punctuated by a chance of thunderstorms — just enough to cool you for a minute and have you breathing steam for an hour.
The state Health Department maintains a list of cooling centers, where people can chill for a bit. It suggests calling before you go, but here are the centers in the greater Cortland are:
•Access to Independence, 26 N. Main St., Cortland. Call 607-753-7363.
•Cortland Chenango Rural Services, Inc., 2704 Lower Cincinnatus Road, Cincinnatus. Call 607-863-3828.
•Kellogg Free Library, 5681 Telephone Road. Ext., Cincinnatus. Call 607-863-4300.
•Lamont Memorial Free Library, 5 Main St., McGraw. Call 607-836-6767.
•Peck Memorial Library, 24 E. Main St., Marathon. Call 607-849-6135.
•Philips Free Library, 37 S. Main St., Homer. Call 607-749-4616.
•Groton Public Library, 112 E. Cortland St, Groton. Call 607-898-5055.
•Shops at Ithaca Mall, 40 Catherwood Road, Lansing. Call 607-257-5338.
•Southworth Library, 24 W. Main St, Dryden. Call 607-844-4782.
•Tompkins Cortland Community College, 170 North St, Dryden. Call 607-844-8211.
The Cortland County Health Department offers this advice:
•Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps and nausea. Move to a cool area, use cool wash cloths and sip water.
•Heat stroke symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness and seizures. Call 911 immediately, move to a cool area and use cold water or ice.
•Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, carry water, take breaks and seek shade.
•Limit strenuous activities. Try doing things in the morning or evening.
•Check on family, especially anyone that might be vulnerable or works outdoors.
•Stay on the first floor or in a basement if there’s no available air conditioning.
•Keep blinds closed.
•Ensure pets and livestock have access to fresh water and shade.
•Ensure no pets or children are left in a vehicle, where temperatures can quickly reach 120 degrees.
