YONKERS, N.Y. If it has felt a little warmer than usual in Yonkers so far this year, thats because it has been.
The first six months of 2012 were the warmest ever in New York state and across the nation, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that date back to 1895.
In the 48 lower states, temperatures were 4.5 degrees above average during the first half of the year, more than a full degree hotter than the previous record set in 2006. Officials at the NOAA attributed the nationwide increase to a warmer than average month of June.
Scorching temperatures during the second half of the month led to at least 170 all-time high temperature records broken or tied, the NOAA reported.
In New York it was more of the same. Temperatures were 5.4 degrees above average through the first six months of 2012, topping the previous high set in 1998.
June also capped the warmest 12-month period in the state. Since July 2011, New York states average temperature has been nearly 50 degrees, more than a full degree warmer than the previous record set in 1950, NOAA reports.
To help residents beat the heat, state officials announced an initiative this week that will provide air conditioners to low-income families with serious medical issues. The goal is to give New Yorkers the assistance they need to stay cool and healthy, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
"The late spring and early summer have already brought several heat waves, which can be life-and-death matters for New Yorkers with serious medical conditions," Cuomo said in a press release.
In Yonkers, residents have been encouraged to take advantage of the cooling centers the city has typically set up during extreme temperatures.
These Cooling Centers will be made available to all residents in need of a cool place to take a rest and stay hydrated, Mayor Mike Spano said in a press release announcing the locations last month.
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