The National Weather Service issued a Severe Extreme Heat Warning for parts of New York, effective from 10 a.m. on June 30 to 8 p.m. on July 3, covering counties in the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and adjoining areas. The warning includes 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. Last update: June 30, 2026.
The escalation matters because forecasters expect a heat index of 105 to 111 for multiple days, creating a high risk of heat-related illness. The multi-day stretch limits overnight recovery and heightens cumulative stress, particularly for older adults, young children, people with health conditions and those working outdoors. Authorities advised residents to secure access to cooled spaces and reduce exposure as the event persists.
Warning replaces earlier heat watch across upstate counties
Before the upgrade, a Severe Extreme Heat Watch was in effect across a broad swath of upstate New York. From 12:01 p.m. on June 29 to 8 p.m. on July 3, the watch covered Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Tioga and Broome. In the Hudson Valley, Eastern Ulster, Western Dutchess and Eastern Dutchess entered the watch earlier, starting at 1:48 p.m. on June 28 and continuing to the same end time. These alerts framed the evolving situation ahead of the formal warning for the eastern counties listed above.
Timing, areas and peak conditions through July 3
The warning period runs through 8 p.m. on July 3, with the hottest conditions expected during mid to late afternoon and warm, humid nights likely limiting relief. Forecast guidance indicates several consecutive days near or above a 105 heat index in many locations, with some Hudson Valley areas potentially exceeding that threshold. The geographic footprint now spans the Capital Region into the Mid-Hudson and adjacent sections of western New England, while the prior watch remains the reference for Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Central New York counties earlier in the event.
Safety guidance and available assistance
Officials urged people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Individuals without home cooling or shelter can call 211 to locate cooling centers or similar resources, and dial 911 for emergencies. Residents should avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles and monitor for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or a rapid pulse. As the event continues, staying informed through official updates and local advisories remains critical to reduce risk.
