New York City Triathlon 2022 forecast includes dangerous heat
Heat Advisory in effect for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut through Sunday night
Athletes celebrate and hydrate after completing the NYC Triathlon
FOX Weather's Steve Bender talks with an athlete about how the weather fared for the race.
Thousands of participants in the 2022 New York City Triathlon happening on July 24 will face a dangerously hot day as they race across the three-part course map, an early look at the forecast shows.
Weather plays a significant role in how athletes competing in the run, bike and swim events will fair. The ideal conditions for triathletes would be cooler temperatures, low humidity and light winds.
High temperatures forecast for the 2022 NYC Triathlon will be in the upper 90s with a heat index over 100.
(FOX Weather)
THE NEW YORK CITY TRIATHLON HAS A COMPLICATED HISTORY WITH THE HUDSON RIVER
Unfortunately, July is the hottest month of the year.
A Heat Advisory will be in place for parts of northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut and southeast New York through Sunday night, with the Heat Index forecast to be in the mid-90s to lower 100s. The overnight hours won't offer much relief from hot and humid conditions, with nighttime temperatures to remain in the upper 70s through Sunday.
The heat index will be over 100 for the New York City Triathlon on Sunday, July 24.
(FOX Weather)
There will be a chance the National Weather Service could issue excessive heat warnings on Sunday.
Due to the forecast heat, organizers have decided to shorten parts of the event.
The Triathlon Bike will be reduced from 40k (24.8 miles) to 20K (12.4 miles) and the Run reduced from 6.2 miles to 2.5 miles.
WHAT IS THE HEAT INDEX AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH?
"While it is disappointing to reduce the length of both races, our number one priority is to do all we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our competitors, volunteers, medical personnel and spectators," Triathlon officials said.
Triathletes have faced plenty of extreme weather in the annual New York City Triathlon.
(FOX Weather)
On average, New York City receives about 0.15 inches of rain on July 24, and about 32% of the time, it rains on the date.
FROM HEAT TO DOWNPOURS, PAST WEATHER FOR NEW YORK CITY TRIATHLON FAR FROM IDEAL
The National Weather Service in New York is tracking a cold front approaching from the west late Sunday that will bring the chance of rain and thunderstorms but likely well after the race is complete. The best chance for rain will be north and west of New York City.
The temperature in the Hudson River is also critical, as cold temperatures could bring on hypothermia, and warm temperatures could make an athlete exhausted.
The New York City Triathlon has faced weather challenges, including canceling portions of the event due to extreme heat or weather.
In 2019, the New York City Triathlon was canceled because of extreme heat. The city had been placed under a "heat emergency" from July 19 through July 21. Temperatures forecast for this Sunday are similar to the 2019 event.
Sunday's forecast compared to the 2019 NYC Triathlon when it was canceled due to heat.
(FOX Weather)
Last year, Tropical Storm Elsa caused the triathlon planners to cut the swimming portion because high levels of bacteria were found in the Hudson River.
THE NEW YORK CITY TRIATHLON HAS A COMPLICATED HISTORY WITH THE HUDSON RIVER
According to the nonprofit Riverkeeper, which regularly takes samples from 74 locations along the river, river bacteria levels rise any time it rains. While the forecast is still shaping up, rain is possible on race day.
One of the easiest ways to stay updated on the forecast for the day of the event is by downloading the FOX Weather app and using the "Plan" tab. Add the NYC Triathlon and get the forecast updated every day leading up to the race.
If you are in the area for a few days before or after the 2022 New York City Triathlon, you can add multiple days to the event in the FOX Weather app.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX WEATHER UPDATE PODCAST
The free FOX Weather livestream is also available 24/7 on the website and app and on your favorite streaming platform. The FOX Weather Update podcast also provides weather information for the entire country.