Governor Hochul Advises New Yorkers to Use Caution as Extreme Heat Impacts the State This Afternoon

Aug 16, 2023

Every Region in the State Could Experience “Feels Like” Temperatures Above 95 Degrees Thursday Afternoon

Air Quality Advisory in Effect for New York City Metro Area and Lower Hudson Valley Region

New Yorkers Encouraged to Visit Regional Cooling Centers

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Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for dangerous heat conditions that are expected to continue throughout the state on Thursday, as high heat and humidity are forecast to maintain heat index values — or “feels like” temperatures — of more than 95 degrees across most of the state, with upper 90s in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. There is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect for ground-level ozone today for the New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley regions as well. Governor Hochul encourages New Yorkers to stay safe and take precautions as this extreme heat will last through Thursday evening.

“Dangerous heat conditions are expected to continue throughout the state today and I urge New Yorkers to prepare for hot and humid conditions with temperatures that will feel like they’re nearly 100 degrees,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is closely monitoring the forecast and will provide support to any communities needing assistance. People across the state should take every opportunity they can to stay cool today and use extra caution if going outdoors.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “The entire state will see extreme temperatures today and these conditions are dangerous for sensitive groups. Do what you can to stay cool today, and remember to look after your pets in this heat.”

New Yorkers are encouraged to 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.

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 and Lower Hudson Valley regions today. More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check current local air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.

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 illnesses 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.

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

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Extreme heat can hinder the body’s ability to regulate temperature and cool itself down. The most common illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Older adults and children are especially susceptible, but we ask that everyone be on the lookout for signs and symptoms, and to take basic precautions to avoid such health issues when temperatures are dangerously high.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “This week marked the hottest day on earth since record-keeping began, and extreme heat and other impacts of climate change like more severe storms and air pollution are negatively impacting New York’s communities to a greater degree than ever before. I applaud Governor Hochul for educating New Yorkers about how to prepare for extreme heat, protect their families, and stay safe and healthy. DEC will continue to work with our State, City, and community partners to develop strategies to address extreme heat today and into the future.”

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 look for ways 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 Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “As our state continues to endure record-setting temperatures, we must work to ensure that all New Yorkers remain safe and comfortable—particularly our underserved communities that are most vulnerable to extreme weather. With temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees in many areas, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the State’s many resources for saving energy while staying cool.”

New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Pools, beaches and spraygrounds are fully open in New York's state parks for 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 ServicesThe 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 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.

Heat TipsExcessive 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 and visit the DHSES Heat Safety Tips webpage.

Be PreparedTaking 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.

Conserve Electricity

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:

Additional tips on how to conserve energy are available on NYSERDA's website here.

Safety Tips for ALL Bodies of Water

Open Water Safety Tips

Pool Safety Tips