The heat is on in NYC! With temperatures reaching into the 90s for three consecutive days, the Big Apple is officially in the midst of its first heat wave of the summer.

In Central Park, the temperature reached 90°F on Thursday, 94°F on Friday, and on Saturday it climbed to 96°F – our hottest day so far this year. Looking ahead, the 90-degree weather is forecast to continue through at least the middle of the week.

Humidity levels are also expected to remain high, making it feel even hotter. Heat index values, which combine air temperature and relative humidity, are projected to be in the mid to upper 90s and even enter the triple digits on some days.

While these conditions can be oppressive, they are also very dangerous. Extended exposure can cause a number of serious health hazards. Both a heat advisory and air quality alert have been issued for the city.

As hot as the past few days have been, they were not record breakers. The dubious honor of producing the city’s hottest day ever recorded belongs to July 9, 1936 when the temperature reached a sizzling 106°F.