AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY UPDATED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO REGIONS

In Effect through Wednesday, July 30, 2025

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an updated Air Quality Health Advisory through Wednesday, July 30, 2025, for ozone for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions.  

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone  

The advisory will be in effect: 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

The Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; and New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

OZONE  

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 

• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 

• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 

• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 

• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 

• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 

• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 

• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 

• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation. 

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“Yesterday, New York lost four innocent lives in a horrific act of violence. Among them was NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a 3 1/2-year veteran who leaves behind a wife eight months pregnant and two young sons. My heart is with his loved ones, his NYPD family and every victim of this tragedy.

“The killer used an AR-15–style assault rifle. The same weapon of war used in mass shootings across America.

“New York has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation. We banned assault weapons. We strengthened our Red Flag Law. We closed dangerous loopholes. But our laws only go so far when an AR-15 can be obtained in a state with weak gun laws and brought into New York to commit mass murder.

“The time to act is now. The American people are tired of thoughts and prayers. They deserve action. Congress must summon the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and finally pass a national assault weapons ban before more innocent lives are stolen.”

 

Attorney General James Sues to Stop the Federal Government from Defunding Planned Parenthood

 

So-Called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Illegally Punishes Planned Parenthood, Threatening Health Care Access for Millions

New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general and the state of Pennsylvania in suing to block a provision in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA), that illegally targets and defunds the nation’s largest provider of reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood, because it advocates for the right to abortion. The OBBA, signed into law on July 4, prohibits Medicaid funding from going to non-profit health care clinics that receive a certain amount of Medicaid funding and provide abortions – criteria that almost exclusively applies to Planned Parenthood clinics. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the government’s intent is clear: to defund Planned Parenthood and silence its advocacy. As a result, millions of low-income people who rely on Planned Parenthood for cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and family planning services will be left without access to this necessary care. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the new restriction is unconstitutional, retaliatory, and deeply harmful to public health, particularly for low-income and underserved communities that rely on Planned Parenthood clinics for essential health care.

“The federal government is once again playing politics with our health care system, with devastating consequences,” said Attorney General James. “This administration’s shameful and illegal targeting of Planned Parenthood will make it harder for millions of people to get the health care they need. New York will not be bullied into enforcing this unconstitutional attack on health care and reproductive freedom.”

Planned Parenthood is a core part of New York’s Medicaid provider network. In 2023 alone, 89,000 New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid received care at Planned Parenthood clinics, which provided tens of thousands of STI tests, cancer screenings, and contraceptive services. Cutting off that funding would devastate access, especially for low-income New Yorkers, young people, and people of color. As Attorney General James and the coalition argue, this targeted provision in OBBA forces states into a lose-lose position: either block Planned Parenthood from Medicaid entirely – forcing clinics to close and leaving patients without care – or pay for those services with state funds, forfeiting millions in federal funding.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this provision in the law is the culmination of a years-long effort by the president and congressional leaders to target Planned Parenthood with political retribution for supporting abortion access. Federal Medicaid funds already cannot be used for abortion services. Instead, legislative history and public statements make clear that the provision’s purpose is to specifically defund Planned Parenthood. 

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this attack on Planned Parenthood violates several constitutional provisions. It violates the First Amendment by retaliating against Planned Parenthood for its protected speech and advocacy; violates the Spending Clause by forcing states to implement a vague, unrelated and coercive federal policy without clear notice; and violates the Constitution’s ban on bills of attainder by singling out a group for punishment without due process.

The attorneys general are seeking a court order declaring the defunding provision unconstitutional and halting its implementation.

Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, along with the state of Pennsylvania.   

Wisconsin Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Violating Export Control Reform Act

 

Andrew Pogosyan Illegally Exported Scientific Equipment to Companies in Russia

Andrew Pogosyan, 68, a U.S. citizen born in Russia and residing in Madison, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a four-count criminal information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the United States.

The U.S. government regulates the export of goods, technology, and software from the United States. On Feb. 24, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) implemented specific export control regulations in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These regulations prohibit the export of certain items from the United States to Russia without a license from the BIS. The regulations were expanded on Sept. 16, 2022, to include a licensing requirement for items potentially useful to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons production capabilities. Under the Export Control Reform Act, it is a federal crime to willfully violate any export control regulation.

According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, beginning around September 2022 and continuing until October 2023, Pogosyan through his company, Omega Diagnostics LLC, willfully violated and evaded the export restrictions imposed on Russia by exporting scientific and diagnostic research equipment components to Russia without the required licenses, using transshipment points in third-party countries to conceal the ultimate destination. Specifically, Pogosyan conspired with Russian-based companies and individuals to export controlled items from the United States to Russia through third-party countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania. Pogosyan exported the controlled items without obtaining a license, despite knowing about the license requirement.

Pogosyan faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the smuggling violations. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 7. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

The FBI, BIS Office of Export Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison In Connection With Shooting Of Five-Year-Old Girl

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that AUSTIN MORRISHOW was sentenced today to 15 years in prison—the maximum sentence prescribed by statute—for illegally possessing ammunition in connection with a June 30, 2023, shooting in which MORRISHOW fired multiple shots at fleeing vehicles on a residential street in the Bronx, striking and seriously injuring a five-year-old girl.  MORRISHOW previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who imposed today’s sentence, as well as the sentence of MORRISHOW’s co-defendant, CURTIS WHITE, on July 9, 2025.   

“On June 30, 2023, Austin Morrishow and his co-defendant, Curtis White, fired several shots while attending a sidewalk vigil for someone who, in a sad twist of irony, was killed in a shooting,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Morrishow’s brazen acts left a bullet in a five-year-old child’s chest.  Instead of accepting responsibility, Morrishow remained a fugitive for eight months.  Today’s sentence sends an important message: if you threaten the lives of innocent New Yorkers through senseless gun violence, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” 

According to the allegations in the Complaint and Indictment, court filings, and statements made in court proceedings:

On June 30, 2023, MORRISHOW, WHITE, and several others were gathered on a residential sidewalk in the Bronx, attending a vigil for an individual who had been killed by gunfire just the day before.  As three cars idled nearby, one of the cars backfired, causing the group attending the vigil to drop to the ground and scatter.  MORRISHOW took cover behind a parked vehicle for a few seconds before aiming a .40 caliber pistol at the three nearby cars while draped over the roof of the parked vehicle, assuming a shooting stance, and emptying his .40 caliber pistol at the three nearby cars.  Shortly after MORRISHOW began shooting, WHITE sprinted after the three fleeing cars, firing his .380 caliber pistol wildly.  The shots fired by MORRISHOW and WHITE left at least seven .40 caliber shell casings and two .380 caliber shell casings in the street, and bullet fragments, bullet holes, and shattered windows in nearby parked cars. One of the shots fired by MORRISHOW hit a five-year-old girl sitting in the backseat of one of the cars in the chest, narrowly missing her vital organs.  Photographs of MORRISHOW firing his handgun at the fleeing vehicles and the back of the vehicle in which the five-year-old girl was sitting, with bullet holes circled in red, are below.

MORRISHOW and WHITE fled immediately after the shooting.  Although WHITE was apprehended shortly after the shooting in July 2023, MORRISHOW evaded law enforcement until February 2024.  MORRISHOW was not permitted to possess ammunition because of, among other felony convictions, a prior federal conviction for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a narcotics conspiracy, for which he was sentenced to 60 months in prison.  At the time of the shooting, MORRISHOW was also serving a term of supervised release in connection with his previous federal conviction.  WHITE was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition because of his prior state conviction for attempted first-degree assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon.

In addition to the prison term, MORRISHOW, 27, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the victim of the shooting.  WHITE, 28, of the Bronx, New York, was previously sentenced to 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim of the shooting.      

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, and thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance with the investigation and apprehension of the defendants.

Consumer Alert: With the Rise in Use of Digital Payment Apps, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips to Protect Your Money

Payment Apps May Be Convenient for Consumers, But Attractive for Scammers

Over $390 Million in Losses Reported in 2024

Follow These Tips to Keep Your Money and Financial Information Safe When Using Payment Apps  

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers with tips to protect their money and financial information while using payment apps. Payment apps, including Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, and others, allow consumers to instantly transfer money to friends and family members with a click of a button on their mobile device. However, many payment app users have been tricked into sending money to a scammer or have had their accounts hacked. In 2024, consumers nationwide reported over $390 million in losses to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission from scams that used payment apps or services. This is over $100 million more than consumers reported losing in 2023.

“We’ve all been in a situation where a friend picks up lunch and says, ‘Just send it to me later through this app!’ While many payment apps are convenient and often cheaper than using an ATM, they can also come with risks.” said NYS Secretary of State Walter Mosley. “Scammers are finding new ways to exploit these payment apps every day, so if you do choose to use them, make sure you follow these tips from our Consumer Protection division to keep your personal and financial information safe.”

 

What You Need to Know About Payment Apps:

• Payment apps are attractive for scammers: Payment apps offer convenience, as consumers can easily make instant payment transfers or transactions at any time or anywhere. This makes it convenient for scammers who use various tricks to conceal their tracks.

• Scammers may trick consumers into sending them money, often by using fake profiles, such as pretending to be a loved one who’s in trouble and asking for money.
• Others may impersonate companies offering sweepstakes or prize winnings but claim a fee needs to be paid to collect it.
• Others might use "accidental" transfer scams, where they send money from a stolen credit card and then ask for it back. 

• Payment app companies aren’t required to recover funds lost to fraud: Consumers who pay by credit card are protected by federal law and never liable for more than $50 lost to fraud or payments made in error. Payment apps aren’t required to recover money sent to scammers or in error.Fraud victims who use payment apps are rarely able to recover lost funds.
• Payment apps often don’t have federal deposit insurance: Federal deposit insurance protects consumers’ money in case a bank goes out of business or loses consumers’ money in bad investments. However, most payment apps are non-bank companies which are not FDIC-insured.

Five Tips to Use Payment Apps Securely:

1. Don’t leave large amounts of money in payment apps: Regularly transfer your payment app balance into a traditional checking account which has greater legal protections for your money.
2. Only send money to people you know and trust: Never let somebody you haven’t met pressure you into sending money. Sending money through payment apps is a lot like paying cash. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Even when you know the person, always double check that you’re sending the right amount of money to the right account.
3. Avoid linking to your entire bank account: Many payment apps encourage consumers to link their bank’s account and routing numbers to the app. This can leave your entire bank account vulnerable in hacking attempts. Linking to a credit card instead can be more secure.
4. Set your account to private: Some payment apps set account privacy settings to “public” as the default— meaning anybody on the app can see your transactions. Check your security settings and use the most private settings whenever possible.
5. Use strong security features and settings: Utilize features like fingerprint or facial recognition for transactions. Regularly update your payment app to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you made a payment to a scammer or find unauthorized payments on your account, report it to the mobile payment app and any bank involved. You can also report fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/  and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

Permits Filed for 585 Jackson Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a nine-story mixed-use building at 585 Jackson Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx. Located between East 149th Street and East 152nd Street, the lot is one block south of the Jackson Avenue subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Yosef Beer is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 84-foot-tall development will yield 63,659 square feet, with 63,374 square feet designated for residential space and 285 square feet for commercial space. The building will have 80 residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope of 792 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 30-foot-long rear yard, 16 open parking spaces, and four enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in February for the two-story structure on the property. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

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.