The National Weather Service expanded a Severe Extreme Heat Warning on June 30 for parts of New York and northeast Pennsylvania, in effect through 8 p.m. on July 3 across multiple counties in the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, central New York, and adjoining areas. The warning followed earlier watch alerts and now covers locations where the heat index is expected to peak between 100 and 111 during the afternoon hours, with warm, humid nights limiting recovery. Last update: July 1, 2026.
The escalation matters because consecutive days above a 105 heat index increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for older adults, young children, people with health conditions, and outdoor workers. Overnight temperatures remaining elevated reduce the ability of non–air-conditioned spaces to cool, compounding cumulative stress over the multi-day event. Officials advised residents to secure cooled spaces, reduce exposure, and monitor for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or a rapid pulse.
Counties under warning and timing through July 3
The current warning covers eastern New York counties including Northern Litchfield, Southern Litchfield, Southern Berkshire, Southern Herkimer, Southern Fulton, Montgomery, Northern Saratoga, Northern Washington, Schoharie, Western Schenectady, Eastern Schenectady, Southern Saratoga, Western Albany, Eastern Albany, Western Rensselaer, Eastern Rensselaer, Eastern Greene, Western Columbia, Eastern Columbia, Western Ulster, Eastern Ulster, Western Dutchess, Eastern Dutchess, Southeast Warren, Southern Washington, Bennington, and Eastern Windham. In central New York and northeast Pennsylvania, it also applies to Northern Oneida, Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, Delaware, Sullivan, Bradford, Susquehanna, Northern Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, and Southern Wayne.
The warning window runs to 8 p.m. on July 3, with peak heat this afternoon and Thursday afternoon, then values generally 95 to 105 on Friday afternoon. Prior to the upgrade, a Severe Extreme Heat Watch had been posted from June 29 across a broad swath of upstate New York, including Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Central New York counties; Hudson Valley counties entered the watch on June 28. The warning replaces or supersedes the earlier watch as conditions intensified in the eastern and central sectors.
Expected conditions and risk profile
Forecast guidance indicates multiple days near or above a 105 heat index in many locations, with parts of the Mid-Hudson and central New York likely exceeding 100 to 110 this afternoon and Thursday. Nighttime temperatures are expected to stay very warm, limiting relief and raising concern for those without access to air conditioning. The geographic footprint spans the Capital Region into the Mid-Hudson, central New York, and adjacent sections of western New England and northeast Pennsylvania, reflecting a broad and persistent dangerous heat setup.
Officials urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Individuals without home cooling or shelter can call 211 to locate cooling centers or similar assistance, and dial 911 for emergencies. Residents were reminded not to leave children or pets in vehicles, where interiors can reach lethal temperatures quickly, and to stay informed by following updates from weather and local authorities as the event continues.
