New York State Department of Health Reminds New Yorkers to Protect Themselves Against Extreme Heat As Warm Weather Arrives

Air Quality Advisory in Effect for Ozone for the New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley Regions

Department Launches Extreme Heat Media Campaign

Department Provides Safe Summer Tips Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 18, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health is reminding the public of the importance of staying safe in extreme heat as warm weather is now upon us. The Department also encourages safe swimming and sun protection as we head into Memorial Day weekend and the upcoming summer months.

"Warm weather is finally here, making this the perfect time to remind New Yorkers about staying safe in the heat," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Remember to stay cool, drink water and don't overexert yourself during extreme heat which can be life threatening for those with chronic conditions such as asthma. When enjoying the outdoors this summer, check the air quality, never swim alone and wear sunscreen."

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat-related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the Department's extreme heat advice webpage.

Next week, the Department is launching a multi-media campaign in English and Spanish to bring awareness to New Yorkers about reducing risk of heat related illness and what to do during heat waves. The campaign also highlights the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Benefit for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan to help at-risk individuals stay cool. See examples of the campaign here.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "High temperatures can threaten the health and wellbeing of vulnerable New Yorkers, including older adults, children, and those with medical conditions that can be worsened by heat and humidity. Cooling assistance available through the Home Energy Assistance Program can be a lifeline for households without an air conditioner that have no other way to ward off the dangerous heat."

New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O'Leary said, "Extreme heat can be deadly, and as temperatures start to rise across the state, New Yorkers must be aware of the risks. Preparedness is key to staying safe from extreme heat: monitor your local forecast, stay hydrated and have a plan in the event of unexpected power outages. Prepare today and stay informed in the future by texting your county or borough to 333-111 for real time emergency and weather alerts."

The New York State Department of Health's interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county healthcare officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

As New York State enters its warmest months, the Department is again working with local health departments and emergency managers to maintain the Cooling Center Finder, which provides the location of locally identified places for people to get cool if they do not have access to a cool spot in their home. Access the Cooling Center Finder here.

Protect Workers from Extreme Heat, Heat Stress and Heat Illnesses

Exposure to extreme heat is a serious hazard to workers both indoors and outdoors, particularly when temperatures first begin to increase in the spring or early summer. It is important to understand the impact of exposure to extreme heat, heat stress and resultant heat illnesses. Heat stress results from a combination of environmental factors (air temperature, air movement, humidity, radiant heat load such as from hot metal or machinery, open flames or the sun) and physical work factors (intensity of work, clothing or protective equipment worn) that can cause illness and impaired health or even be fatal to those working under extreme heat conditions. Heat stress affects the amount of work that people can do and the way they do it. Since heat stress is different for every person, it is important for employers to respond to employee symptoms and not ignore the signs. Follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration mantra for work exposures to extreme heat: Water. Rest. Shade.

Information about climate change and health can be found here.

Air Quality

As warm weather is upon us, the Department reminds New Yorkers to include air quality awareness in their daily warm weather routines. Pollutants like particulate matter from wildfires or ground-level ozone can pose serious health risks—especially for those with heart conditions or lung disease such as asthma, as well as the very young, those over 65 years old and pregnant people.

An Air Quality Health Advisory has been extended through Monday, May 18, 2026, for ozone for the New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley regions.

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease (such as pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure) and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

Visit airnow.gov for the latest air quality forecast and be on the lookout for Air Quality Health Advisories from the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health. When air quality is poor, protect yourself by staying inside, reduce exposure and minimize exertion when outdoors.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides daily air quality forecasts to ensure air quality information is available at New Yorkers' fingertips. While New York State has some of the nation's most stringent air quality regulations to reduce air pollution and protect public health and the environment, there are certain days that ozone or particulate matter can impact air quality in your community.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is addressing extreme heat and identifying actions to help keep our communities safe and healthy. DEC and our State and local partners continue to promote measures to ensure residents and visitors are better prepared to respond to severe weather, such as promoting hiker safety, being Air Quality Aware and checking air quality levels before heading outside, and offering recreational opportunities on State lands to cool off on hot days."

Safe Swimming

The Department provides safe swimming advice for New Yorkers who plan to enjoy beaches and pools during the holiday weekend and throughout the summer to stay cool. Water activities are a great way to exercise and cool off on hot days. Follow safety tips to reduce risk when swimming or boating, such as always swimming with others, supervising children when around water, wearing a life jacket while boating, and avoiding drugs and alcohol while swimming and boating.

Remember, drowning can occur anywhere there is water, whether it's a pool, bathtub, or bucket. Keep toilet seats down and always supervise young children around water.

Sun Safety

The Department also recommends that people of all skin tones follow sun safety guidance because everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher applied to dry skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and again after swimming or perspiring. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. This will give you the best protection. If wearing a baseball cap or a short-sleeved shirt, put sunscreen on the ears, neck, and arms. Follow these tips even on cloudy days. Clouds do not block dangerous UV rays. Learn more about sun safety and skin cancer.

For information about staying safe during extreme heat visit health.ny.gov/extremeheat.

For information about outdoor air quality, visit health.ny.gov/outdoorair.

For safe swimming tips, visit health.ny.gov/swimsafe.