Big Apple, Baking Till Crispy

It is hot. Although temperature is just over 90 degrees, it feels more like 100 with the humidity. And if you're on certain subway platforms, well, forget a mini-pack of tissues - you'll need a whole stack of paper towels or a big towel to wipe away the sweat while you wait for your train.

But that's nothing compared to subway workers who don't get to board an air-conditioned train. One transit worker said, "You just drink a lot of water and try not to walk around too much. Also, we'll wait for the breeze of a passing train." However, we hear some offices are so air-conditioned that people are resorting to opening windows to warm up. Mayor Bloomberg would not be happy; the city recommends that AC not be lower than 78 degrees, and Mayor Mike says, "Please don't run air conditioners in rooms that you’re not in. Nobody wants to have another blackout." Word.

Here are tips on beating the heat from the Office of Emergency Management, such as wearing light, loose clothing, keeping hydrated, remembering not to leave pets in parked cars, and checking in on neighbors who may have special needs, like seniors or young children. And health problems, like heat cramps and heat exhaustion, can occur during heat waves - read more about them here.

Also, here's how to find a cooling center or a city pool near you. The lifeguards director at Jones Beach told Newsday it was pretty quiet yesterday, "The beachfront is not air-conditioned, so there's not a lot of relief here."

Photograph of a city pool by f.trainer on Flickr