Summer 2023 has broken heat records across the United States and the rest of the globe.
Today, July 28, 2023, the National Weather Service has issued a warning in effect from noon until 8 PM as follows:
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT
THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 99 expected.
* WHERE...Northern Oneida, Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, Delaware and Sullivan counties.
* WHEN...From noon to 8 PM EDT Friday, July 28, 2023.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
- Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
- Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside:
- When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
- Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
For more information on heat-related illness and prevention, visit:
New York State Department of Health Extreme Heat Advice
CDC Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Heat Index Information:
The heat index is a combined measure of heat and humidity. It is used because increased water content in the air can worsen heat's effect for warm-blooded humans. The National Weather Service uses the following chart to remind people about the combination of heat and humidity, and they have color-coded it to highlight the danger involved:
Click here to calculate the heat index where you live.
When you are unable to cool down, you are more likely to experience heat-related illness.
Classification | Heat Index | Effect on the body |
Caution | 80°F - 90°F | Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
Extreme Caution | 90°F - 103°F | Heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
Danger | 103°F - 124°F | Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
Extreme Danger | 125°F or higher | Heat stroke highly likely |
If you have any questions, Yates County Public Health staff are available from 8 AM – 4 PM Monday-Friday at (315) 536-5160. Or you can contact the Yates County Office of Emergency Services at (315) 536-3000.