Beginning Today, Record Temperatures Forecasted for Western, Central and Northern New York and the Capital Region

Extreme Heat is the Leading Cause of Weather-Related Deaths Nationwide, According to CDC Data

New Yorkers Encouraged to Stay Hydrated; Find Cooling Centers in New York State and New York City

Governor Kathy Hochul today activated New York State’s Emergency Operations Center ahead of an extreme heat storm lasting four days which is expected to strike New York beginning today. Record temperatures are likely across Western, Central, Northern New York as well as Northern New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Capital Region. The temperatures are expected to reach their highest this week, but could remain in certain areas into the weekend. It is expected that “feels like” temperature values are likely to be in the low 90’s, and possibly even 100 degrees by Friday. The majority of areas in the northern part from New York City will have “feels like” temperatures near 100 degrees or even higher. Friday’s temperature will range from upper 70’s to mid 70’s across northwestern North Country with the potential to reach 100°F in regions such as the Mid-Hudson region. Saturday is expected to be in the middle 70’s for the North Country and range anywhere between the lower 80’s and the mid 90’s across the other parts of New York. Overnight temperatures will be hot between the 60’s and mid 70’s. This won’t provide any comfort from the scorching heat until Friday night. Saturday and Sunday night temperatures will be in the upper 50’s to mid 70’s across the state.

“Heat like this can be dangerous – New Yorkers should take every precaution to stay cool this week,” Governor Hochul stated. “Stay hydrated, avoid excessive outdoor activity and, if needed, visit a cooling center near you.”

Keeping Safe During Extreme Heat

Prepare in Advance

• Join to receive NY alerts which will be sent to your email address and phone as well as other alerts that are available in your community.
• Make an Family emergency strategy including a strategy to keep cool.
• Install air conditioners and insulate windows that are exposed to sunlight in the morning or afternoon, and then set up fans to improve air circulation.
• You could qualify for a complimentary air cooling unit. It is possible to qualify for a free air conditioning unit. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides an air conditioning unit for income eligible households which include a person with a medical issue that has been documented caused by extreme heat or households with youngsters or adults who are older. Applications will be accepted until funds run out. For more details, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or call your local office of aged by calling 1-800-342-9871.
• Participate in a no-cost Citizen Preparedness Corps course for residents, and receive the resources and tools to be prepared for emergency situations.

Heat Stroke and Exhaustion – Know the Symptoms and What to Do

• The most severe form of heat-related disease and is always a medical emergency. Contact 911 immediately when you or a loved one suffers from temperatures that exceed 105deg and a fast pulse. confusion, shallow or rapid breathing, or if they lose consciousness. Make sure to cool the person rapidly with an ice bath, fan or air conditioning as waiting for emergency response personnel.
• A lot of sweating, fainting, nausea, vomiting weakening and a cold clammy face can be indicators of exhaustion due to heat, which could quickly turn into heat stroke if not treated promptly. Patients should be taken to a cool location and cool, wet towels applied to the face, neck and arms.
• Abdominal heat cramps region or around the extremities can be relieved by moving to a cooler area, stretching gently the muscle that is cramped and drinking cool fluids.
• Additional information, including the procedures for coaches and athletes as well as employers and workers, and health and heat data is available at the department of health’s Extreme Heat website.

This kind of heat can be risky New Yorkers must be aware of every step to remain cool during this heat wave.”

Governor Kathy Hochul

What to Do During Extreme Heat

• Make sure you are inside with air conditioning, if you can.
• If you don’t have air conditioning in your house you can open the shades and windows in the shade then close them to the sunny side in order to reduce the temperature. It could also be cooler in shade.
• Locate free places within your community in which you can remain cool like the public pool, library or even a mall. Find Cooling Centers in New York State and New York City.
• Take plenty of fluids, especially water.
• If you are working in extreme heat, you should drink 1 cups (8 pounds) each 15 to 20 minutes. This amounts to at most 24 to 32 ounces glasses of water every hour in the extreme heat, even if you aren’t feeling thirsty. A shorter time frame for drinking water is more efficient rather than drinking large quantities of water infrequently. Your body requires water to stay cool. Beware of drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Keep cool by taking cool baths and showers.
• Make sure to take regular breaks from your physical activities.
• Avoid vigorous activity in the hottest time during the daylight (between 11 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.).
• Wear loose, light clothes that are light in color to keep cool.
• Avoid the sun for as long as is possible.
• Use sunscreen as well as a hat with a vent (e.g. straw, mesh or straw) while out in the sun even when it’s cloudy.

Never Leave Children and Pets Unsupervised in Hot Cars

There’s a very risk that is real and serious when leaving pets or children alone in a car, even if temperatures do not “feel” hot. When it’s 60 degrees outside in just a few hours, an enclosed vehicle can be temperatures as high as 100 degrees.