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

‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures in the Mid to Upper 90s Expected in Western New York, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes and North Country Regions Starting Sunday

Air Quality Health Advisory for Ozone for New York City Metro Region for Sunday

High Temperatures Expected Throughout Most of the State Monday Through Wednesday

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for multiple days of high temperatures across the State beginning on Sunday and continuing through Wednesday. ‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures in the mid to upper 90s are expected in the Western New York, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes and North Country regions starting on Sunday. Heat will continue in most of the State on Monday and Tuesday, most notably in Western New York, the Finger Lakes and the North Country. Humidity levels will also rise on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, feels-like temperatures in the upper 90s will continue throughout most of the state and near 100 in parts of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions. Rain and thunderstorms are expected across the State Tuesday into Wednesday.

“As extreme temperatures once again sweep across our state, I’m closely monitoring our forecasts and working alongside partners in government to ensure New Yorkers are protected,” Governor Hochul said. “Extreme heat is the most dangerous weather event we face, and I ask all New Yorkers to please take proper precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

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:

 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 two 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 in real time across the state and issues air quality health advisories as necessary with the Department of Health (DOH). Visible smoke and hazy skies are likely for New York State and may see temporary spikes in Air Quality Index (AQI) values on Sunday. DEC and DOH issued an air quality health advisory for ozone for the New York City Metro region for Sunday, Aug. 10. 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 New York State Urban Heat Islands website. 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.

The New York State Department of Labor has released comprehensive guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during extreme heat and advises workers and employers to engage in extreme heat best practices such as:

• Ensure access to clean drinking water at no cost to workers, available at all times and as close to the worksite as possible.
• Provide shade and paid rest when the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and more frequent rest breaks once the heat index exceeds 90 degrees.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) so long as it does not interfere with safety equipment, including sunscreen, cooling vests, wide-brim hats and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

More information on best practices for working in extreme heat can be found here.

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