Possible Thunderstorms and Rainfall Associated with Hurricane Beryl Could Affect the State Tuesday through Thursday

Air Quality Index Levels Forecasts to 'Unhealthy' Level

Heat Advisories Issued for Hudson Valley, New York City and Parts of Long Island

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecasts as above-average temperatures combined with increased humidity will result in dangerously hot conditions in the coming days. “Feel temperatures” of 95 degrees or higher can result in an increased risk of heat illness. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for the Hudson Valley, New York City and parts of Long Island beginning at noon today. The heat is expected to continue through Tuesday. The State is also monitoring the potential for thunderstorms and rainfall associated with Hurricane Beryl beginning Tuesday night and extending into Thursday across much of the northern part of the state. Isolated cases of flash flooding are possible. The Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) also issued an Air Quality Health Advisory in the New York City metropolitan region (New York, Rockland, Westchester) for ozone today, July 8 , 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additional advisories may be issued throughout the week as conditions warrant.

"Heat waves can be dangerous; I encourage New Yorkers to take the necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme heat," said Governor Hochul . "Keep an eye on the local forecast, stay hydrated, and postpone outdoor activity if possible."

Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

Be Aware of Air Quality

• Summer heat can cause ground-level ozone to form, and Governor Hochul recently encouraged New Yorkers to be aware of air quality to help protect public health. DEC and DOH issue air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists predict that ozone and fine particle pollution levels are expected to exceed an air quality index value of 100, which is considered " unhealthy for people, especially those with cardiovascular disease," those with respiratory diseases (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those who do strenuous work outdoors should consider limiting strenuous physical activity outdoors when ozone levels are highest (generally from the afternoon to early evening). When outdoor ozone levels are high, coming indoors will generally reduce exposure. People experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough should consider seeing their personal doctor.

• DEC encourages New Yorkers to check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions . Sign up for air quality alerts through DEC Delivers, visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information on Air Quality Index levels , and the DOH website for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.

Prepare in Advance

-Sign up to receive alerts from New York that can come to your phone and email and other alerts offered in your local community.

-Create a family emergency plan and include a plan to stay cool.

-Install air conditioners and insulate around them, cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun, and place fans to increase airflow.

-You may qualify to receive a free air conditioning unit. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide an air conditioning unit to income-eligible households that include someone with a documented medical condition aggravated by extreme heat, or households with young children or older adults. Applications will continue to be accepted until funds are exhausted. For more information, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or contact your local office on aging at 1-800-342-9871.

-Attend a free Citizen Preparedness Corps training for residents and get the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies.

Heatstroke and Exhaustion: Know the Symptoms and What to Do

-Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-related illness and is always an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one has a body temperature above 105°, rapid pulse, confusion, rapid or shallow breathing, or loses consciousness. Try to cool the person down quickly using a cold bath, fans, and air conditioning while you wait for emergency services.

-Heavy sweating, fainting, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and clammy skin can be signs of heat exhaustion, which can quickly escalate to heat stroke without immediate intervention. People should be moved to a cool place and cold, wet cloths applied to the neck, face, and arms.

-Heat cramps in the abdominal area or extremities can be treated by moving to a cool place, gently stretching the cramped muscle, and drinking cold water.

-Additional information, including procedures for athletes and coaches, workers and employers, and data on heat and health, can be found on the Department of Health's extreme heat website .

Heat like this can be dangerous: New Yorkers should take every precaution to stay cool this week.

What to Do During Extreme Heat

-Stay inside with air conditioning if possible.

-If you don't have access to air conditioning inside your home, open windows and blinds on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool down. It may also be cooler outside in the shade.

-Identify free location areas in your neighborhood where you can go to stay cool, such as a public library, pool, or shopping center. Find cooling centers in New York State and New York City.

-Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.

-When working in the heat, you should drink a cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. That translates to at least 24 to 32 ounces of glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you're not thirsty. Drinking water in shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. Your body needs water to stay cool. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.

-Beat the heat with cold showers and baths.

-Take regular breaks from physical activity.

-Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day (between 11 am and 4 pm).

-Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to stay cool.

-Stay out of the sun as much as possible.

-Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (for example, straw or mesh) when you are in the sun, even if it is cloudy.

Never Leave Children and Pets Unsupervised in Hot Cars

-There is a real and serious danger in leaving children or pets unsupervised in a car, even when temperatures do not “feel” high.

-At 60 degrees outside, after just an hour a closed car can reach temperatures of 105 degrees.