Life-threatening heat wave will blanket NY next week, Hochul and state officials warn

New York is bracing for a dangerous heat wave starting this weekend, and state officials are warning residents to stay inside as much as possible.

When combined with humidity, temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s and possibly low 100s Sunday throughout the state. These extreme temperatures will likely persist and could even reach 105-110 degrees in many parts of New York until dropping into the 80s Thursday.

“This is not your run-of-the-mill hot summer week,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a press conference Friday. “Given the cooler weather we’ve had lately, this is going to be a real shock to the system.”

State officials said residents should take precautions like drinking lots of water, seeking air-conditioned environments and looking out for signs of heat stroke in themselves and others, including dizziness, nausea, weakness and muscle cramps. In New York City alone, more than 500 people die from preventable heat-related illness every year, according to city data.

Hochul said the heat wave could endanger lives, especially among vulnerable groups like older and pregnant people, young children and those with underlying health conditions. She urged New Yorkers without air conditioning to identify nearby cooling centers they could access, and said children and pets should not be left unattended in hot cars.

Meteorologists say this will be the year’s first prolonged period of extreme heat and overnight temperatures will not offer much relief. They recommend wearing light-colored clothing, taking breaks in the shade and avoiding strenuous activities like exercising outdoors.

More than 5,500 utility workers will be on call to respond to any power outages, officials said. Additionally, the MTA will be inspecting every subway car and bus to make sure they have functioning air conditioning, and will be checking tracks, substations, machine rooms and cable connections that keep the transit system running.

Officials also noted Tuesday is Primary Day, when voters go to the polls for party elections, and encouraged registered primary voters to cast their ballots early if possible. Early voting in New York City’s primary is open through Sunday. The city Board of Elections said it would provide fans and drinking water at polling sites lacking air conditioning.

For low-income New Yorkers with asthma and other medical ailments, public cooling assistance programs that help cover the cost of air conditioners are open for applications, Hochul said.

“The best way to stay safe is to stay indoors with air conditioning. This is not the time to start training for the marathon,” she added.