Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Multiple Days of Extreme Heat

‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures in the 90s Today Could Exceed 100 Degrees Tuesday and Wednesday

Heat Advisories in Effect Today Across Portions of the Capital, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions

Heat Advisories Expected to Expand Across Most of the State on Tuesday

Local Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Possible Wednesday

Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for a multi-day stretch of high outdoor temperatures that will impact the Capital, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions starting today and continuing through Wednesday with feels-like temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees. On Tuesday, heat advisories are expected to expand across much of the State including the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York Regions with feels-like temperatures ranging from the low 90s to over 100 degrees. On Wednesday, a few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible ahead of a cold front that will bring several days of cooler, drier, and less humid weather to New York State.

“Extreme heat is dangerous and can be fatal if it is not taken seriously,” Governor Hochul said. “I urge residents to plan ahead to make sure they stay hydrated, to check in with elderly neighbors and locate nearby cooling centers during the next few days.”

Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat-related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

New York State agencies are taking the actions and making recommendations to respond to the forecasted heat. These include:

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 this heat event. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

During heat waves, increased usage of electric devices such as air conditioners place a considerable demand on the state's electricity system and instances of low voltage or isolated power outages can result. The record for such usage was set on July 19, 2013, when it reached 33,956 MWs (one megawatt of electricity is enough to power up to 1,000 average-sized homes). 

The following State Park swimming facilities will be open for extended hours:

Long Island

• Jones Beach State Park: Field 6, Central Mall, and Field 2; extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Robert Moses State Park: Field 2 & 5; extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Sunken Meadow State Park: Main Beach; extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Hither Hills State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Hecksher State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Wildwood State Park: extended swimming until 7:30 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Hudson Valley

• Bear Mountain State Park: extended swimming until 6:30 PM Tuesday & Wednesday
• Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park pool: extended until 7:00 PM Tuesday & Wednesday
• Lake Tiorati State Park: extended swimming until 6:45 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Lake Welch State Park: extended swimming until 6:45 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Rockland Lake State Park pool: extended swimming until 6:30 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Lake Minnewaska: extended swimming until 7:15 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Lake Minnewaska-Awosting: extended swimming until 6:30 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

New York City

• Gantry Plaza State Park: Sprinklers and mist fans set up throughout the park
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park: indoor and outdoor pool extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Capital District

• Lake Taghkanic State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Taconic-Copake State Park: extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Taconic Kiddie Pool: extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Saratoga Spa State Park: Peerless and Victoria pools extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Grafton Lakes State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Moreau Lake State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Mine Kill State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Thompson’s Lake/Thacher State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Central New York/Finger Lakes

• Fair Haven Beach State Park: extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Taughannock Falls State Park: extended swimming until 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Cayuga Lake State Park: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Tuesday & Wednesday
• Watkins Glen State Park pool: extended swimming until 7:00 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Western New York

• Darien Lake State Park: extended swimming until 7:45 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Fort Niagara State Park: extended swimming until 8 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Beaver Island State Park: extended swimming until 8 PM Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Prior to making a trip, potential visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or check https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ for park hours and operations. Changes in weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and both central office and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts.

DEC reminds outdoor adventurers that unpredictable weather — including rapidly changing temperatures and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas — can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, mud and warmer temperatures to ensure a safe outdoor experience.

Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information.

Hiking Safety

Hiking in the heat is always risky. New Yorkers and visitors should review the following tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

• Slow your pace.
• Drink water and rest often.
• Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight.
• Bring at least 2 liters of water for any hike.
• Bring a water filter, especially for longer hikes.
• Bring salty snacks to keep your electrolytes in check.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Leave your pets at home — the heat is harder on them, especially walking on hot rocks.
• Consider staying home yourself and rescheduling for another day when weather conditions improve.

Even if the weather is forecast to be high heat all day, there’s always a chance of hypothermia due to a sudden storm or drop in temperatures. This can increase dramatically if you’re sweating and not wearing sweat-wicking clothing (made of fabrics like wool or polyester). Many cases of hypothermia are in the summer when people least expect it.

Whether you are hiking, mountain biking or paddling, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

Air Quality

DEC is monitoring air quality across the state and will issue air quality health advisories as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website.

Extreme Heat

DEC recently released preliminary Urban Heat Island maps to help communities better understand, plan for, and adapt to extreme heat exposures on the neighborhood level. Links to the maps, as well as additional information and data, can be found on DEC’s Extreme Heat Action Plan webpage and posted at nys-heat.daveyinstitute.com/hottest-hour. The project advances a key action in the Extreme Heat Action Plan and advances a 2022 law signed by Governor Hochul directing DEC to study the impacts of disproportionate concentrations of extreme heat in disadvantaged communities across the state.

For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.