Governor Hochul Cautions New Yorkers of Dangerous Heat Conditions Expected Throughout the State Later This Week

Aug 25, 2023

Heat Index Values Expected to Be Above 100 Degrees for Lower Elevation Areas on Thursday and Friday

Friday "Feels Like" Temperatures Could Reach 105 Degrees or More in New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson Regions

State Agencies Prepared to Respond to Extreme Heat Impacts and Provide Resources to Local Governments

Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Visit Regional Cooling Centers

Governor Kathy Hochul today cautioned New Yorkers of dangerous heat conditions forecast to impact much of the state later this week. New Yorkers should prepare in advance for high heat and humidity in the forecast on Thursday and Friday, with heat index values — or "feels like" temperatures — of more than 100 degrees in lower elevation areas across the state. On Friday, the heat index is currently forecast to reach 105 degrees or more in the New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions. Governor Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to take precautions and plan ahead as extreme heat makes its way into the state.

"Extreme heat is posing a significant health risk for New Yorkers, especially for vulnerable populations like children and seniors," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed State agencies to take all necessary precautions to keep New Yorkers safe during this weather event, and will be deploying personnel as necessary. Before the heat hits New York on Thursday, I encourage all New Yorkers to take common-sense precautions: stay out of the sun, keep yourself hydrated, check on your neighbors and identify a cooling center near you."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Later this week, New York will see apparent temperatures near or over 100 throughout much of the state. These temps can be dangerous for some if outside for extended periods or without air conditioning. Take time now to plan ahead and consider alternative plans for Thursday and Friday if you're in an area expected to see extreme conditions."

New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor their local weather forecast 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 Department of Health encourages New Yorkers to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness and maintains an updated list of Cooling Centers, which are submitted by local health departments and emergency management offices.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "The combination of temperatures in the 90s and high humidity could result in dangerous health conditions across New York, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. It's important that residents be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated, utilize air-conditioned spaces and avoid strenuous outdoor activity if possible."

Older adults and individuals with chronic diseases are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Factors such as obesity, fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, alcohol use, outdoor work, and living in urban areas where pollution may linger on hot days can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion include high body temperatures (103 degrees or higher), hot, red, dry, or clammy skin, fast, strong pulse or a fast, weak pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps or spasms and losing consciousness, passing out, and fainting. If these symptoms are evident, call 911, move the person to a cool place, loosen clothing, and put cool wet cloths on their body or get them into a cool bath. Heat-related illnesses can be avoided and there are numerous ways they can be prevented.

New Yorkers are encouraged to keep windows and shades open on the shady side and closed on the sunny side of the house if there is no air conditioning in the home, to drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, to take cool showers and baths, stay out of the sun, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.), to stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat when in the sun, and to never leave children, pets or those with special needs in a parked car, even briefly, as temperatures in the car can become dangerous within just a few minutes.

To alleviate the impact of extreme heat, there are public air-conditioned locations where residents can cool down, including cooling centers, libraries, shopping malls, and supermarkets. Information about the locations of cooling centers can be found here.

New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, "To help reduce the demand for electricity, it's important for the public and businesses to lower their electricity usage. In addition, the public should look for ways to stay cool and hydrated. By taking action now, we can lower electricity usage during this heat wave while staying healthy and safe."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "With temperatures expected to reach dangerous levels later this week, New Yorkers are urged to take precautions to keep cool and stay safe. Extreme heat and other impacts of climate change, including more severe storms and air pollution, continue to negatively impact New York's communities. In coordination with Governor Hochul and State, City, and community partners, DEC is committed to educating New Yorkers about how to prepare for extreme temperatures and collaborate on development of strategies to address extreme heat today and into the future."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "All New Yorkers, especially those vulnerable to extreme heat, can take immediate and precautionary measures to keep cool while managing energy and costs. Balancing more traditional energy management methods such as keeping curtains drawn can be done right away while homeowners simultaneously pursue long-term solutions such as pairing a free energy assessment from New York State with improving home weatherization and opting for clean energy technologies."

New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Our New York State Park pools, beaches and spraygrounds are ready to welcome people looking to cool off during this extreme heat. While enjoying our various swimming areas, we urge all visitors to please keep safety in mind for yourself and your loved ones."

Agency Preparations

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.

Department of Environmental Conservation

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises that summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, including ozone and fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100, when concentrations in outdoor air are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. An advisory is in effect for ozone for the New York City Metro region for tomorrow, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check current local air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.

Governor Hochul has prioritized addressing current and future impacts of extreme heat for the state and has directed DEC and NYSERDA to coordinate the State's planning and response efforts. More than 20 New York State agencies and authorities are working together as part of the Extreme Heat Action Plan Working Group to advance strategies that will 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. Interim recommendations announced by Governor Hochul last year represented the first phase of a more comprehensive Extreme Heat Action Plan underway 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. Early action includes the addition of extreme heat to the New York State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to allow the State to adequately prepare for, respond to, and recover from an extreme heat event. A Community Advisory Panel consisting of representatives from community organizations and local governments, subject matter experts, and other stakeholder groups is meeting regularly to provide input on developing the plan, which will also include opportunities for the public to learn and provide input through information events and comment periods. A webinar series hosted by DEC and NYSERDA in conjunction with the Extreme Heat Action Plan Work Group and University at Buffalo recently concluded and included presentations by a panel of subject matter experts on topics relevant to State and local planning for extreme heat events. For additional information about the impacts of extreme heat, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/125801.html.

Department of Public ServiceThe 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.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Parks has facilities across the state where the public can go to cool off with swimming at pools and waterbodies or cooling off at spraygrounds. A list of available State Parks swimming facilities is available here.

Heat Safety Tips

To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, follow the below guidance and visit the DHSES Heat Safety Tips webpage.

Be Prepared

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. To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, follow the below guidance and visit the DHSES Heat Safety Tips webpage.

Conserve Electricity

NYSERDA recommends 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:

Water Safety

Open Water Safety

Pool Safety Tips

A list of available State Parks swimming facilities is available here.