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As a record-breaking heat wave grips New York and much of the U.S., extreme temperatures are making headlines and putting lives at risk. These heat waves are no longer anomalies—they are becoming more frequent and intense due to ongoing climate variability and extreme weather patterns.
This blog aims to equip healthcare professionals, educators, and the general public with essential knowledge about heat-related illnesses, including how to prevent, recognize, and respond to them, especially in communities that are most vulnerable.
What’s Happening: A Look at the Recent Heat Wave
In late June and early July 2025, New York State experienced multiple days of 90°F+ temperatures, with "feels-like" values surpassing 100°F due to humidity. New York City issued a Heat Advisory through the NYC Emergency Management Department, and cooling centers were opened citywide. Similar alerts have been declared across neighboring states in the Northeast and Midwest.
Vulnerable populations are most at risk during these periods:
- Older adults often have reduced thermoregulation.
- Children overheat faster than adults and may not recognize the signs of overheating.
- Outdoor workers and those in construction, agriculture, or delivery are at heightened risk due to prolonged exposure.
- Low-income residents may lack air conditioning or live in poorly ventilated housing.
Unhoused individuals are extremely vulnerable due to continuous exposure.
Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
- Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache, and muscle cramps. The skin may feel cool and moist.
- Heat Stroke: A medical emergency. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, and hot, dry skin or profuse sweating. Immediate medical attention is critical.
Other Heat-Related Conditions:
- Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms, typically in legs or abdomen, often due to loss of salt.
- Heat Syncope: Sudden dizziness or fainting after standing in the heat.
- Dehydration: Can lead to organ stress, electrolyte imbalance, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.
Impact of Humidity:
High humidity impairs sweat evaporation, the body’s primary cooling mechanism. When the heat index is high, the body is more susceptible to overheating even at lower air temperatures.
Clinical Signs to Watch For:
- Altered mental status
- Persistent vomiting
- Tachycardia and hypotension
- Elevated core temperature
- Dry mucous membranes
Healthcare providers should pay special attention to elderly patients, those with cardiovascular disease, and individuals on diuretics or anticholinergic medications.
Prevention Strategies: Staying Cool and Safe
During periods of extreme heat, staying properly hydrated is one of the most important measures to protect against heat-related illness. Adults should aim to drink at least 8 to 10 cups of water daily, and even more when engaging in physical activity or experiencing excessive sweating. Beverages such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks should be avoided, as they can contribute to dehydration and impair the body's ability to regulate temperature. Encouraging regular fluid intake throughout the day—rather than waiting until one feels thirsty—can help maintain optimal hydration.
Appropriate clothing and protective accessories also play a key role in minimizing heat stress. Individuals should wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting garments made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials allow for better airflow and help wick moisture away from the body. Additionally, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can offer essential protection from the sun, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps prevent sunburn, which can compromise the body’s ability to cool itself.
Environmental strategies are equally important. People are advised to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when sun exposure and ambient temperatures peak. Air conditioning remains the most effective way to stay cool, but if it is not available, individuals should seek out public cooling centers or shaded, well-ventilated spaces. It is important to note that fans alone may not be effective once temperatures exceed 95°F. Local health departments often provide resources and maps to help residents locate nearby cooling centers during heat advisories.
Urban environments present additional challenges due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt retain heat and elevate overnight temperatures. Cities like New York may experience sustained high temperatures even after sunset, increasing the risk of heat-related complications. Encouraging rooftop gardens, tree planting, and shaded green spaces can help mitigate these effects over time. In the meantime, caregivers, schools, and employers can protect vulnerable individuals by adjusting outdoor schedules to early morning or evening hours, ensuring water and shaded rest areas are readily available, and implementing buddy systems to monitor for early signs of overheating. It is critical to remember that children and pets should never be left unattended in parked vehicles, as interior temperatures can rise dangerously in minutes.
Public Health Perspective & Healthcare Worker Role
From a public health standpoint, healthcare workers and community organizations serve as vital first responders in protecting populations from the dangers of extreme heat. Clinicians and public health professionals are uniquely positioned to educate patients and families about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, as well as practical strategies for staying cool and hydrated. Proactive screening for high-risk individuals—such as those with chronic medical conditions, mobility limitations, or unstable housing—can help identify those most vulnerable before temperatures rise.
In clinical and community settings, distributing essential cooling supplies like bottled water, fans, and cooling towels can offer immediate relief and promote prevention. Additionally, healthcare professionals play a critical advocacy role in promoting equitable access to emergency relief resources and supporting urban planning policies that address systemic heat inequities, particularly in underserved neighborhoods disproportionately affected by the urban heat island effect.
Resources & Emergency Guidance
Local Resources:
- NYC Cooling Centers Map
- New York State Department of Health – Heat Illness Prevention
- 311 NYC for heat advisories, shelter info, and health assistance
National Guidance:
Emergency Reminder:
- Call 911 for any suspected heat stroke.
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those living alone.
- Help those in your community get to cooling centers if they lack AC.
In conclusion
As summer temperatures continue to rise, the risks associated with extreme heat grow more serious. Early recognition of heat-related illness and timely intervention can save lives. The healthcare community—and each of us—has a critical role to play in protecting those most at risk.
Stay hydrated, stay informed, and check in on one another. Let’s stay safe together as we weather the heat.