New York City Heat Advisory: July 14–15
New York City is under a Heat Advisory from Tuesday, July 14, through Wednesday, July 15, with heat index values expected to reach 101°F. Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue through Friday.
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, and climate change is making New York City summers increasingly dangerous. More than 500 New Yorkers die prematurely from heat-related causes each summer. Heat can lead to serious illness, worsen chronic medical and mental health conditions, and become life-threatening, particularly for individuals without access to air conditioning. Due to longstanding social and economic inequities, Black New Yorkers are disproportionately affected and are twice as likely to die from heat-related causes as White New Yorkers.
Clinical Considerations
Certain medical conditions and medications increase a person’s risk of heat-related illness. Providers should:
Review medications that may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Advise people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar more frequently, as high temperatures can affect insulin use.
Discuss the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and the potential worsening of chronic health conditions.
Encourage increased fluid intake when medically appropriate.
Immediately report any death in which heat exposure is suspected to be a direct or contributing factor to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner at 212-447-2030.
Air Conditioning Saves Lives
Air conditioning is the most effective protection during extreme heat.
Providers should encourage individuals to:
- Use air conditioning whenever possible and limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
- Set air conditioners to 78°F or “Low Cool” to stay comfortable while conserving energy.
- Visit an air-conditioned location, such as a cooling center, library, or another person’s home, if they do not have or cannot use air conditioning. Cooling centers can be found by calling 311 or visiting maps.nyc.gov/oem/cc.
- Continue using air conditioning or visiting cooling centers even after the advisory ends, as homes without air conditioning can remain dangerously hot for several days.
- Check on family, friends, neighbors, and other vulnerable individuals during periods of extreme heat.
- Call 311 if they encounter a person experiencing homelessness who appears to need assistance.
- If working outdoors or in hot indoor environments, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cool areas, and follow workplace heat safety practices.
Note: Electric fans alone are not sufficient to prevent heat-related illness during the current weather conditions.
Individuals at Highest Risk
People are at greatest risk for heat-related illness if they do not have or do not use air conditioning and have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, or other chronic medical conditions
- Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
- Dementia, cognitive impairment, difficulty with self-care, or impaired ability to regulate body temperature
- Use of medications that affect thermoregulation, including diuretics, anticholinergics, and psychotropic medications
- Heavy alcohol use or drug use, which can impair temperature regulation, increase dehydration, and mask symptoms of overheating
- Social isolation or limited mobility
- Adults 60 years of age and older, who are more likely to have one or more of these risk factors
