The second heat wave of the summer will again test the power grid in our area just as a deadline comes for a possible Con Edison strike.
Temperatures reached 98 degrees at LaGuardia Airport Friday, while Newark, N.J. saw 97 and Central Park hit 93.
A mix of sun and clouds continues Saturday and temperatures will linger in the muggy low- to mid-90s. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon.
Con Edison and its workers are in the middle of contract negotiations, with the current contract for Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers of America expiring at midnight Saturday.
John Melia, a spokesman for the union that represents about 8,500 workers, said there are issues over pensions. He said members in May authorized a strike if necessary.
Con Ed said it looked forward to "productive discussions with the union leadership on a new contract that's fair and equitable for our employees and customers."
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the city during the daytime hours Friday and Saturday.
Residents are advised to avoid strenuous activity and make sure to check on pets and elderly neighbors. Those who have to work outside are advised to schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.
Cooling Centers are open Friday and Saturday. For locations, hours, and more information on avoiding heat illness and the Air Quality Index, click here or call 311.
Local
The steambath continues Sunday and Monday, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 90s.
Temperatures blazed across the metropolitan area last week, sending children to sprinklers as authorities urged people working outdoors to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade.
The sweltering weather was also blamed for the death of an 81-year-old man. The official cause of death for the unidentified Queens man was "hyperthermia due to environmental exposure with underlying conditions."
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