As the relentless heat and humidity build in New York City this summer, finding ways to beat the heat is key. Temperatures this week can reach the mid-90s with heat indices in the triple digits.

A heat advisory is in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday. The hottest time of day is after 12 p.m. through 5 p.m. So while you’re outside, heading to the beach, cooling centers or to the pool, walking in the shade provides that much needed relief.

But have you ever wondered why it feels cooler in the shade compared to direct sunlight? 

You feel cooler in the shade because you’re not in direct sunlight. The shade doesn’t make temperatures cooler, but it makes it feel like the actual air temperature.

When in direct sunlight, the air can feel up to 10-15 degrees warmer than the actual air temperature. With rising temperatures reaching dangerous levels and the strong sun shining on our skin, our body quickly heats up. Heat stroke, heat fatigue and heat exhaustion occurs when in direct sunlight on very hot days even for short periods of time.

Your News 12 Storm Watch team of meteorologists have you covered during our third heat wave of the season.