Residents across the tri-state area are bracing for a second day of sweltering temperatures as meteorologists predict record-breaking numbers yet again.

Forecasters expect a high of 98 degrees in and out of the city, though the humidity is not expected to be as suffocating as it was Wednesday.

An air quality alert remains in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday and a heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m., though the latter will likely be upgraded to a warning as the day wears on.

Record highs were recorded Wednesday at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark International Airports as the pavement sizzled outdoors and utilities, facing scattered outages due to high usage, asked customers to conserve power inside.

Emergency management officials called on New Yorkers to stay in air-conditioned places if possible, stay hydrated and check on elderly neighbors.

New York City’s 1.1 million public school students are still in session for another week, and just 64 percent of classrooms are air-conditioned.

Students were advised to wear light clothing and drink plenty of water, and schools have been told to limit outdoor playtime, city Education Department spokeswoman Margie Feinberg said.

Underground, temperatures were also unbearable. Subway riders said they dreaded the trek Wednesday.

“It’s unbelievable — it’s like hell,” said Danielle LeGree, of the Bronx. “Like you’re walking downstairs to hell.”

The New York City Office of Emergency Management said 455 cooling centers were open Wednesday and Thursday. Residents are asked to call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov for locations.

Skies turn partly cloudy overnight with the possibility for isolated thunderstorms in the lower Hudson Valley. Relief comes in some form Friday, with hazy, humid weather giving way to scattered and severe thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The weekend looks a bit better, with scattered showers Saturday morning giving way to a beautiful Sunday with a high of 83 degrees.

(Source: NBC New York)