New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an update regarding air quality and extreme heat conditions affecting the state. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) have announced Air Quality Health Advisories for July 29 and July 30, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., specifically for ozone in the Long Island and New York City Metro regions. Heat advisories are also in place for parts of the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions. Temperatures are expected to feel like they are in the 90s across much of the state, with some areas possibly exceeding 100 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“As high temperatures and poor air quality impact parts of our state, we’re taking action to ensure New Yorkers are safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Heat is the number one cause of extreme weather fatalities in the State of New York, and I encourage everyone to take the proper precautions to protect themselves, their families and our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Weather forecasts indicate that locally severe thunderstorms with damaging winds could occur on Wednesday in several regions ahead of a cold front expected to bring cooler air by the weekend. On Thursday, heavy rainfall between one to three inches may lead to flash flooding mainly in the Mid-Hudson, Long Island, and New York City regions.
Governor Hochul advised residents about ground-level ozone formation during summer heat waves. The DEC and DOH issue advisories when pollution levels are predicted to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100—deemed ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ People with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases such as asthma, young children, those who exercise outdoors or work vigorously outside should limit strenuous outdoor activity during periods when ozone levels are highest (generally afternoon through early evening). Going indoors typically reduces exposure during elevated ozone events. Anyone experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain is encouraged to consult a physician.
Residents can check real-time air quality information at https://www.airnow.gov/ or sign up for alerts through DEC Delivers. Updated forecasts are available at dec.ny.gov along with health-related guidance on DOH’s website.
The extreme heat poses risks particularly for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals with preexisting health conditions such as obesity or heart disease. Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, decreased urination and rapid breathing.
Recommended safety tips include staying hydrated; avoiding direct sunlight; seeking air conditioning or shade; limiting strenuous outdoor activities especially during peak heat hours; checking on older family members or neighbors; and seeking medical attention if symptoms arise.
Extreme heat remains the leading cause of weather-related deaths nationally according to public health data. More information about heat illnesses is available from the State Health Department’s online resources about extreme heat advice.
To help communities understand risk from high temperatures, a new Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard has been launched by state officials using real-time data points for planning purposes including school officials’ decisions regarding outdoor activities or opening cooling centers.
Pet owners are reminded to provide ample water both indoors and outdoors; limit pets’ time outside; avoid hot pavement surfaces which can burn paws; never leave pets unattended in vehicles during warm weather; watch for signs of pet heatstroke such as excessive panting or drooling.
The Office of Parks has extended swimming hours at many facilities statewide so residents can seek relief from high temperatures. Before visiting any park location—including Jones Beach State Park on Long Island or Bear Mountain State Park in Hudson Valley—residents should confirm current hours at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ due to possible changes based on weather conditions or staffing availability.
State agencies have outlined steps being taken:
– The Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services coordinates with local emergency managers regarding cooling centers.
– The Department of Public Service oversees utility readiness for increased electricity demand due to higher use of air conditioners.
– Utilities across New York reportedly have around 5,500 workers available for response efforts if needed.
– Metropolitan Transportation Authority is increasing track inspections (“heat patrols”), staging extra personnel/equipment at key locations such as power substations within NYC Transit systems.
– Railroads will monitor rail temperatures closely while deploying additional crews where necessary.
For ongoing updates on watches/warnings/advisories related to this week’s weather events visit: https://www.weather.gov/
