Heat Advisories Already in Effect through Friday with Heat Index Values Forecast in the High 90s and Low 100s on Thursday
Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers To Visit Regional Cooling Centers , Stay Indoors and Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for dangerous heat conditions impacting many regions throughout the State on Thursday. High heat and humidity will cause heat index values to reach or exceed 100 degrees in the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions, with indices in the high 90s in parts of the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier regions. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for many of these regions, which are currently in effect through Friday.
"More dangerous heat is on the way for many New Yorkers and I'm urging everyone to prepare for high humidity and temperatures later this week," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is closely watching the forecast and will provide support to any communities needing assistance this week as we experience heat index values reaching and exceeding the 100s beginning on Thursday."
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "New Yorkers should prepare now for extreme heat expected to impact much of the state starting on Thursday this week. We are monitoring weather conditions and working with local government partners to ensure they have what they need during this week's heat. As we once again face dangerous temperatures, New Yorkers should plan ahead to stay cool: keep strenuous outdoor activity to a minimum, stay hydrated, don't leave pets or small children outside for extended periods of time and know how to spot signs of heat-related illness."
New Yorkers should monitor local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website .
The New York State Department of Health also reminds New Yorkers that heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people suffer from the effects of extreme heat. Some individuals are at a higher risk for heat-related illness than others. New Yorkers should learn the risk factors and symptoms of heat-related illness to protect themselves and those they love.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
You can also find more information about where you can locate a Cooling Center near you and other helpful extreme heat-related advice, by visiting the New York State Department of Health's emergency weather webpage .
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. DEC and DOH will issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. Information about the Air Quality forecast for New York State can be found here .
A drought watch remains in effect for 21 New York counties . The counties under drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming, and Yates. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. For water-saving tips, visit DEC's webpage at dec.ny.gov/lands/5009.html . For more information about drought in New York, go to: dec.ny.gov/lands/5011.html .
DEC issued the following suggestions for outdoor recreation in hot weather to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke that could cause a dangerously high body temperature:
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "During extreme temperatures, heat-related illnesses happen when the human body can no longer cool itself. The most common illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses is especially important for older adults and children, and as Governor Hochul recommends, taking basic precautions will protect against experiencing health issues due to dangerous temperature levels."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said , "Dangerous temperatures will again affect communities across the State and it is crucial that New Yorkers follow the important precautions to prevent or exacerbate health issues. The Governor and our team of agencies are working together to help those most impacted by the extreme heat by increasing public awareness of the steps residents can take and the resources available to keep people safe."
New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said , "It's important for the public to continue to look for ways to lower their electricity usage and staying cool and hydrated. By taking action now, we can lower electricity usage during this heat wave while staying healthy and safe."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "New Yorkers across the state, especially those living in historically underserved communities, are increasingly vulnerable to the burdens caused by more frequent, excessively hot temperatures during the summer months. With approaching temps up to 100 degrees or more, NYSERDA encourages New Yorkers to take advantage of the many energy-saving tips that will help them improve their comfort, stay cool, and manage energy costs during these extreme heat waves."
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the weather forecast with a close eye on the heat index this week. DHSES is communicating with local emergency managers across the state and will coordinate any potential State agency response to aid local governments. The State's stockpiles are equipped to deploy resources, as needed, throughout impacted parts of the state.
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week's extreme heat. New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for any weather-related impacts this week. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.
Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States every year. To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, follow the below guidance:
Taking precautions to avoid heat exhaustion is important, and this includes adjusting your schedule to avoid the outdoors during the hottest hours of the day and modifying your diet and water intake when possible.
Taking smart steps to reduce energy use, particularly during periods of peak demand, not only helps to lower the state's peak load but also saves consumers money when electricity is the most expensive. To reduce energy use, particularly during peak periods, the public is encouraged to take some of the following low- or no-cost energy saving measures:
Safety Tips for ALL Bodies of Water
Due to dry conditions, Extra caution should be exercised when enjoying a campfire or utilizing grills. When camping, fires of any kind must be contained within designated areas and always supervised by an adult. Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause a flame or ember to catch dry grass or underbrush and spread quickly. When fires or grills cannot be properly monitored, ensure that they are fully extinguished.
Last month, Governor Hochul announced actions that State agencies and authorities will advance to help address the impacts of extreme heat on disadvantaged communities and other New Yorkers vulnerable to the effects of increasingly high temperatures driven by climate change. The interim recommendations represented the first phase of a more comprehensive Extreme Heat Action Plan that will identify State-led actions that address the structural drivers of extreme heat and its disproportionate impact on New York's most vulnerable communities. For additional information about the impacts of extreme heat, go to dec.ny.gov/energy/125801.html.
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