New York – Northeast Braces for Steamy Weekend Weather

New York – The Northeast braced Friday for a sweltering weekend, with many parts of the region under heat advisories or excessive heat warnings.

The temperature headed toward 99 degrees Friday at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Newark was aiming for the low 100s, while the Boston and Hartford, Conn., areas were looking at highs in the mid-90s. Philadelphia was heading for 97.

The National Weather Service on Friday issued a heat advisory for northern New Jersey and New York City, where temperatures are expected remain in the mid- to upper 90s through Sunday.

Humidity over the weekend “will be noticeable, but it won’t be oppressive,” said weather service meteorologist Dan Hofmann.

Boston should cool slightly to the low 90s this weekend while the humidity rises. Thunderstorms were also possible Friday night in parts of New England.

New Yorkers walking outside Penn Station on Friday seemed unfazed by the heat. Diane Mason, of Manhattan, was prepared for whatever happened, holding an umbrella and wearing sunglasses.

“I yield to it,” Mason said. “I don’t bother to get negative about it; I just protect myself.”

Yves Agbre, 32, said he would head inside if the heat got to be too much. But he was more concerned about studying for a project management course examination.

“I don’t care what the weather is; I’m just looking forward to the weekend,” Agbre said.

Heat records weren’t t likely to be set this weekend, unlike the official first day of summer, where records tumbled from New York City to Burlington, Vermont.

Officials encouraged residents to avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of water and check up on the elderly.