New York readies for blistering heatwave

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York faces a heat wave this weekend with “feels like” temperatures up to 105 degrees. Dr. Jim McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, warned that this kind of heat “can kill people, but it’s preventable.”

Governor Kathy Hochul led a virtual briefing on precautions, noting that heat represents the leading cause of weather-related death. Dr. McDonald, who also spoke in an interview with Nexstar afterward, pointed out that the heat is unseasonable for this time of year, and that we’re also not acclimatized yet even if it were typical, since it’s been a cool year so far.

“When it comes like this the first time, we do see a health impact,” McDonald said. “We see people go to the emergency department because heat injury sneaks up on any one of us when it’s this hot.”

Severe conditions start Sunday, with temperatures feeling like 100 degrees across western New York, the Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier, and the Mid-Hudson Valley. That’s according to Executive Deputy Commissioner Terry O’Leary of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Through Thursday, it’s supposed to feel like it’s above 100.

Days of intense heat will shock the system after the spell of cool weather, Hochul said. Even overnight, temperatures will stay between 70 and 85 degrees or above in cities.

“You’ve got to stay ahead and drink the water throughout the day,” McDonald warned about sneaky heat injuries. He outlined symptoms: “You might feel a little bit faint, and you might feel dizzy, and you might feel a little nauseous.” This could progress until the affected person can’t quite walk steadily, passes out, or even has a seizure, he said.

McDonald recommended drinking plenty of water to prevent heat, specifically one quart per hour when you’re outside in the heat. He even suggested starting the day with a tall glass of water, as “we all dehydrate a little bit at night” all year long. He also said to stay where it’s air-conditioned or visit a local cooling center, which you can find on the Department of Health website.

The officials warned New Yorkers to avoid caffeine and alcohol and prioritize eating healthy, whole foods rather than processed foods to stay cool. “Strawberries are in season in New York,” McDonald said. “This has nutrients in it and water in it, too.”

McDonald said to limit outdoor activity, stay in the shade, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen. He and Hochul also suggested that New Yorkers should check in on their neighbors—especially older individuals who “just don’t feel thirsty”—and encourage them to drink water.

He said not to leave kids or pets unattended in hot cars, which could be deadly. Like people, pets generally need more water and less time outside during a heatwave. Signs of heatstroke in a pet include excessive panting or stumbling.

McDonald also encouraged showing “grace and mercy” to one another because high temperatures cause irritability.

Over 5,500 utility workers statewide remain on standby to restore power if needed, according to Hochul. The New York State Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s power grid, forecasts an “adequate supply of electricity to meet demand throughout the coming week,” O’Leary said, noting the state has over 40,000 megawatts of available capacity against a projection of under 33,000.

And the Metro Transit Authority is supposed to be dispatching extra crews to monitor subway cars, rail cars, buses, tracks, substations, and machine rooms along the system.

With Primary Day on Tuesday, Hochul encouraged avoiding long, hot lines by voting early. New Yorkers can vote early through Sunday, before the worst heat rolls in.

To help protect New Yorkers, the state launched a program that gives air conditioners to New Yorkers enrolled in the state’s Essential Plan and who have persistent asthma. “The Essential Plan Cooling Program is a life-saving resource that will help New Yorkers with chronic health conditions like asthma be able to affordably stay safe and healthy against extreme heat,” Hochul said.

And according to McDonald, “This innovative cooling program helps ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers can breathe easier and stay safer during the hottest months.”

Apply online through August 31 on a first-come, first-served basis until the state runs out. Approved vendors will deliver and install the air conditioners, with installation costs capped at $900 for window or portable units, $500 for fans, and $1,100 for wall sleeve replacements.

According to New York City Health Department Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse, heat claims over 500 New York City lives every year, especially among those without home air conditioning and with chronic illnesses.