It’s been heating up in the Mohawk Valley

While many are celebrating Juneteenth throughout the Mohawk Valley, the soaring temperatures are reminding us to be careful in the midst of this extremely hot weather. Yesterday, the New York State’s Emergency Operations Center was activated with record heat throughout the region. Temperatures are likely to peak through Thursday but may linger in some places into the weekend. Nighttime temps offer little relief with lows in many locations in the 70s.

Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday announced that admission to all New York State Parks will be free on today, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 to help New Yorkers beat the heat this week. Governor Hochul announced several beaches and pools are temporarily open ahead of the season.

“Extreme heat can be dangerous for New Yorkers, and I’m doing everything I can to help families stay safe and cool this week,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of free and early admission to our world class beaches, pools and other State Park sites to beat the heat as we expect record temperatures across the state.”

In the Mohawk Valley, free and early admission is available at

• Gilbert Lake State Park
• Glimmerglass State Park
• Verona Beach State Park
• Delta Lake State Park

Take a look at the complete list of parks with free and early admission here.

Heat Safety & Risk

• Stay up-to-date on heat advisories & excessive heat warnings with local forecasts.
• Stay safe from the heat by drinking a lot of water, staying indoors, & calling 911 if you see someone suffering from a heat emergency.
• Help keep children and the elderly safe. If a person’s temperature reaches 103 degrees, call 9-1-1 or seek medical help immediately .
• Stay indoors with air conditioning during prolonged periods of excessive heat, and excessive humidity. If you have to be outside, stay in the shade.
• Take it easy! Heat makes the body work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Each year approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat.
• Cities and more urban residences are at greater risk of the effects of prolonged heat over more rural areas. Asphalt can get very hot–protect your feet, protect your pets’ feet.

Speaking of staying indoors,

• Roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows. Use awnings, reflective window film or close your curtains to keep the heat out!
• Check the weather stripping on doors and windows to keep the cool air in.
• Extreme heat can often lead to power outages. If the power goes out, keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Have access to a generator? ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
• Fans alone aren’t enough in high heat + high humidity. Get inside in air conditioning or go to a public place like the library, museum, or shopping mall.

Safety Tips for People Working Outdoors

As the summer season begins, employers should be mindful to let workers rest regularly, in shaded areas, and drink water regardless of if they feel thirsty. According to the National Weather Service, when the heat index is 80 degrees or higher, serious occupational heat-related illness and injuries become more frequent.

• Water, shade, and rest are essential to worker safety during heat waves.
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends employers provide each outdoor worker with 32-ounces of cool, potable drinking water per hour.
• When the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, employers should establish shade areas near where people are working for rest and meal periods.
• When the heat index reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, standardized rest breaks are an important way to keep workers safe.
• Workers should protect themselves from the sun and heat by wearing light clothing, wide brim hats, and sunscreen.

Workers and employers should also know the signs of common heat related illness, and all new and returning workers should keep in mind that they need to build a tolerance to heat or acclimatize. Workers whose bodies have not had time to adjust to working in the heat are the most vulnerable.

Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illness. (Ready.gov)

Heat Cramps

Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.

Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting.

Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or
remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.

Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

No matter which corner of the Mohawk Valley you call home, stay safe and be sure to check on family, friends and neighbors during these long, hot days.