Summer 2023 has broken heat records across the United States and the rest of the globe.
Today, September 6, 2023, the National Weather Service has issued a warning in effect from noon until 7 PM as follows:
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT... Heat index values up to 98 expected.
* WHERE... Northern Oneida, Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Tioga, Broome and Sullivan counties.
* WHEN... From noon today to 7 PM EDT this evening, September 6, 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 make the effect of heat worse 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.