A Heat Advisory is in effect for the southern Finger Lakes counties through 8 p.m. Tuesday, with heat index values expected to reach 97 degrees. The greatest risk is Monday afternoon and early evening — limit outdoor activity, drink plenty of water, and check on elderly neighbors and family members.
An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for Yates, Seneca, southern Cayuga, Steuben, Schuyler, and Tompkins counties Wednesday morning through Friday evening. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees during that period, creating dangerously hot conditions. Prepare now — stock water, make sure air conditioning is working, and plan to stay indoors during peak heat hours, mid-day through early evening.
Please check our weather page to keep up-to-date with any and all weather advisories issued for the region over the next several days.
Tips to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
State officials are reminding New Yorkers to take precautions during periods of extreme heat. Safety recommendations include:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Spend time in air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas whenever possible.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Check on older family members, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable to heat.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences symptoms of a heat-related illness.
Officials also encourage residents to closely monitor local forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service. New Yorkers should make sure emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile devices and can receive real-time weather and emergency notifications by texting their county to 333111.
Heat Safety Tips for Children
Children are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Safety officials recommend:
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time or with the windows cracked.
- If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
- Teach children not to play in or around vehicles and to tell an adult if another child is inside a vehicle without supervision.
- Place an essential item, such as your keys, purse or cellphone, next to your child’s car seat as a reminder to check the back seat before locking your vehicle. Another option is to move a stuffed animal from the car seat to the front passenger seat when your child is riding with you.
- Use drive-through services when possible to avoid leaving children alone in a vehicle.
- Know the warning signs of heatstroke in children, including no sweating, confusion, flushed skin, loss of alertness, unconsciousness, and rapid or shallow breathing.
Keep Pets Safe in the Heat
Pet owners are also urged to take extra precautions during hot weather:
- Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked or parked in the shade.
- Call 911 if you see a pet left in a hot vehicle.
- Young, overweight, senior pets and animals with short muzzles or thick or dark coats are especially susceptible to overheating.
- Make sure pets always have access to fresh water indoors and outdoors.
- Limit outdoor activity and provide frequent breaks in shaded areas.
- Avoid walking pets on hot pavement, which can burn their paws. Walk on grass when possible or use protective boots.
- Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and stumbling.
Extended Hours at State Parks
To help residents stay cool during the current heat wave, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has extended hours at a number of state park swimming areas, spray parks and cooling facilities across the state.
Extended hours at Finger Lakes parks include:
- Seneca Lake State Park Spray Pad: Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Letchworth State Park (North Pool): Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Darien Lakes State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Hamlin Beach State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Taughannock Falls State Park: Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Buttermilk Falls State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Robert H Treman State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Officials note that swimming availability may change because of weather, water conditions, or staffing. Visitors are encouraged to check the State Parks website or contact the park they plan to visit before traveling.
Tips to Reduce Summer Energy Costs
NYSEG and RG&E recommend the following steps to help lower energy use:
- Use ceiling fans effectively. Fans can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler, but they should be turned off when no one is in the room.
- Adjust your thermostat. Raising the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for about eight hours a day can reduce annual cooling costs by as much as 10 percent.
- Keep sunlight out. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to help keep indoor temperatures down.
- Limit heat-producing appliances. Avoid using ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers during the hottest hours whenever possible.
- Seal air leaks. Caulk or weatherstrip around windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping.
- Maintain your cooling system. Clean or replace air filters regularly to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency.
- Use a smart thermostat. Programmable or smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperatures while you’re away or sleeping, helping reduce energy use.
NYSEG and RG&E also remind customers who may be struggling with utility bills that payment assistance programs and other customer support options are available.
