Midwest heat wave heading Long Island's way

The heat wave that ravaged the Midwest earlier this week is headed for Long Island, where temperatures will rise into the 90s and, with the heat index, it could feel like it's hotterthan 100 degrees, National Weather Service officials said.

In Nassau County, temperatures are expected to be above 90 degrees starting Thursday and lasting until Sunday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist John Murray in Upton, who added that parts of western Suffolk County also will reach the mid-90s. Joe Pollina, another meteorologist with the service, said that Saturday could see a heat index in the 100s in some parts of the Island.

Nassau temperatures could possibly be as hot as 96 degrees on Friday before returning to the low 90s on Saturday. A reprieve is expected on Sunday, as a return to 80 degrees has been projected.

The eastern parts of Suffolk County is expected to be spared most of the heat wave.

A heat wave, by definition, is three or more days in which temperatures reach the 90s, according to Murray.

Nassau County officials said they had opened 20 cooling centers in communities and towns including Freeport, Rockville Centre, Oyster Bay, Hempstead and North Hempstead through Saturday. Locations and hours can be found on the Nassau County website.

Suffolk County spokesman Dan Aug said that the county is emphasizing fire safety during the heat wave, stressing that people be careful when cooking or smoking outdoors, and making sure to extinguish all fires. He advised people not to throw lit cigarette butts from car windows.

5 tips to beat the heat

1. JUMP IN A POOL

Take a dip in a pool, such as those at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, which are open to the public 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day. Nassau County residents pay $7 admission with Leisure Pass ($5 ages 4-17), nonresidents can get a daypass for $25 ($19 kids).

INFO 516-571-7056, www.nassaucountyny.gov

2. GET (REALLY COLD) ICE CREAM

Ice cream shops abound -- but for an extra-special treat, head to Nitro in Merrick, which uses liquid nitrogen to create custom flavors such as bacon and egg, wasabi and Lady Gaga pink strawberry ice cream with edible pearls ($3.50 for 8 ounces; 2326 Merrick Rd.).

3. GO ICE SKATING

Work on your triple axel or just go to stay cool at Superior Ice Rink in Kings Park, which offers year-round ice skating sessions with music and lights 8:30-10:30 p.m. Fridays, 1-3 p.m. weekends and 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays. Admission is $9 ($7 ages 11 and younger), plus $4 skate rental (270 Indian Head Rd.)

INFO 631-269-3900, superioricerink.com

4. TRY A BLAST OF AIR

Believe it or not, Fairway Market in Plainview (50 Manetto Hill Mall, 516-937-5402, fairwaymarket.com) has a super-cold air conditioning system, so beat the heat while you shop there - or head out to any number of other grocery and retail stores and shopping malls.

5. GET SPLASHED

Out East Family Fun in Riverhead offers several ways cool off with water, from an inflatable water slide - dubbed The Hippo - that's 40 feet tall and 175 feet long, to a water balloon game and a splash zone featuring an inflatable Slip 'n Slide. Or try basketball free throw shots where losers are sprayed with water. Admission is $16 for two hours of unlimited play (1716 Old Country Rd.).

INFO 631-208-9397, outeastfamilyfun.com

-Lauren R. Harrison

FOR MORE IDEAS ON COOLING OFF AT BEACHES, PARKS AND OTHER LI ATTRACTIONS HEAD TO exploreLI.com