Rain a Welcome Respite, But Heat to Continue

After , it seemed unlikely Nyack and Piermont residents would be wishing for precipitation anytime soon.

But when temperatures soared into the triple digits last week—bringing on a national heat wave that left dozens dead across the country—Monday's rain was a welcome respite.

Around 250 Rocklanders due to the dangerous heat over the past 10 days. An alarmingly high use of electricity—due in part to several homeowners and businesses cranking the AC—left some customers without power. The Rockland Department of Health , urging residents to stay out of the sun and limit any sort of outdoor exercise.

In Nyack, Piermont and nearby municipalities, cooling centers were opened up for residents without proper air conditioning. , , the and other buildings doubled as places for overheated residents to cool off. On Saturday, the Nyack Center saw about 25 people come in to cool down.

"We're very grateful Nyack Center opened up," said Richard Kavesh, Nyack's mayor.

The heat is also particularly dangerous to firefighters, who have to combat scorching blazes in heavy gear. Several firefighters in Hillburn had to . Police departments across the county are also responding to calls of .

In Nyack late last week, youngsters and counselors at Camp Ramah were seeking facilities equipped with air conditioning—and found solace at the Congregational Sons of Israel in Upper Nyack.

"We [hosted] a couple hundred campers and staff from Ramah all day, as they have literally moved camp into our social hall and classrooms," explained Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham. "We were happy we could accommodate Ramah and be there for others in our community."

This coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday, temperatures are expected to climb into the low and mid 90s.