As New York faces a wave of scorching temperatures and poor air quality, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statewide advisory urging residents to take precautions. With “feels-like” temperatures expected to exceed 100°F in several regions, including New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson Valley, the Governor emphasized that heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the state.
“Heat is not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous,” Hochul said. “We’re taking action to protect New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable.”
Air Quality Health Advisories are in effect for ozone levels in the NYC Metro and Long Island areas, while heat advisories span across the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, and more. The state has extended hours at swimming and cooling facilities in parks to help residents beat the heat.
The Governor also highlighted the launch of a new Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard, a real-time tool to help communities plan and respond to extreme heat. Residents are encouraged to check airnow.gov for updates and locate nearby cooling centers.
Additional guidance includes:
- Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours.
- Check on elderly neighbors and those with health conditions.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
- Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and rapid breathing.
State agencies are coordinating with emergency managers, health departments, and utilities to ensure readiness. More than 5,500 utility workers are on standby to respond to potential outages.