Mount Vernon residents funneled into a cooling center Monday to dodge a breeze that felt more like a blow-dryer. The senior center inside the Mount Vernon Armory opened at 7 a.m. Grace Byers, 84, was among several people who took advantage of the air conditioning, even though she still likes the heat.

"I think it's great," said Byers. "After all, you have to have some hot weather sometime."

Westchester and the Hudson Valley got just that, with a third day of blistering temperatures that feel more like 100 to 104 degrees. A heat advisory is in effect from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

The hazy weather has doctors warning the young and elderly to stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages and to wear light-colored clothing.

Residents also beat the heat at local beaches, but many pools remained closed Monday. However, Ramapo officials opened their pool at Spook Rock early this season after declaring a heat emergency.

Yorktown High, French Hill Elementary and Mohansic Elementary dismissed classes early due to the heat. Nyack and Woodbury students also got out of classes early.

Meanwhile, more than 400 Somers NYSEG customers had their power restored after Sunday's lightning storm that left them without air conditioning. Con Edison customers have said they're concerned about whether the power company will be able to meet demands this year after previous outages.

For footage of Con Edison workers responding to weekend heat wave and interviews, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Click here for team coverage on school dismissals.Click here for team coverage on Con Edison.

WeatherCon Edison: 1-800-75-ConEd