New York, it’s time to prepare for extreme heat that could last through Thursday.
That’s the warning Governor Kathy Hochul gave in a statement yesterday.
A combination of hot temperatures and moderate-to-high humidity levels could lead to heat index values in the 90s, even the low 100s in some areas, she said.
High temperatures and humidity for most of NYS on Wednesday
The threat of high heat will be a largely downstate issue on Tuesday and Thursday.
On Wednesday, “most of the state will be blanketed with high heat and humidity with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees,” said Hochul.
“The next several days will bring extreme heat throughout the state with dangerous heat indices potentially reaching into the 100s,” she continued. “I am urging all New Yorkers to prepare for heat and humidity this week and to keep a close eye on the weather over the next couple of days.”
The governor also urged New Yorkers to check on neighbors- especially seniors- those with young children and people with disabilities as the heat wave sweeps across the empire state.
Know the warning signs of heat stroke
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., reminds the NYS Department of Health.
DOH says heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Still, some individuals are at a higher risk for heat-related illness.
According to DOH, symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Hot, dry, red skin
- A rapid pulse
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- A body temperature higher than 105°
- Loss of alertness, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness
Cooling centers available near you
New Yorkers can find refuge from the heat at cooling centers, said DOH.
“Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities where you can go to cool down during extreme heat. The New York State Department of Health collects information about seasonal cooling centers and other places to cool off and get a break from the heat. This information is voluntarily submitted by local health departments and emergency management offices,” reads the DOH’s cooling center webpage.
Click here to view a list of cooling centers organized by county.
NYS also provided additional ‘heat tips,’ including how to prepare for high heat, steps to conserve electricity and how to stay safe while boating. You can access that information here.