The National Weather Service expanded and extended a Severe Extreme Heat Warning on July 2 for parts of New York with overlapping alerts now reaching southern Connecticut and northeast New Jersey and running in some areas through 9:00 p.m. on July 4. The warning had already been in effect since June 30 in sections of eastern New York and continues through 8:00 p.m. on July 3 for central and eastern portions of the state, with additional counties in the New York metro corridor added for July 2–4.

The alert matters because forecasters expect a multi-day stretch with a heat index frequently between 100 and 111 in upstate zones and up to 105–115 closer to the coast, with warm, humid nights limiting recovery. The prolonged duration raises cumulative stress for older adults, young children, people with underlying conditions, and outdoor workers, who are advised to secure access to cooled spaces, reduce exposure, and monitor for symptoms of heat-related illness. Last update: July 2, 2026.

Timing and peak conditions through July 3–4

The warning window remains in place through 8:00 p.m. on July 3 for central and eastern New York, with the hottest periods during mid to late afternoon each day. In these areas, maximum heat index values are projected at 100–110 this afternoon and Thursday afternoon, then 95–105 Friday afternoon, while overnight temperatures stay elevated and dampen cooling in non air-conditioned spaces. A separate warning for portions of southeast New York, southern Connecticut, and northeast New Jersey is active from 2:56 a.m. on July 2 until 9:00 p.m. on July 4, featuring near-record highs, little overnight relief, and an increased risk of heat-related illness.

Counties under warning in central and eastern New York

In central New York and northeast Pennsylvania, the warning includes 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. In eastern New York and adjacent western New England, the warning effective from 10:00 a.m. on June 30 to 8:00 p.m. on July 3 covers 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.

Newly added metro corridor: southeast NY, southern CT, northeast NJ

The expanded warning from July 2 to July 4 covers Northern Fairfield, Northern New Haven, Northern Middlesex, Southern Fairfield, and Southern New Haven in Connecticut; Western Passaic, Eastern Passaic, Hudson, Western Bergen, Eastern Bergen, Western Essex, Eastern Essex, Western Union, and Eastern Union in New Jersey; and Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Northern Westchester, and Southern Westchester in New York. Dangerous heat index values of 105 to 115 are possible in these areas, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Officials advise staying hydrated, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, seeking air-conditioned environments during peak heat hours, checking on vulnerable individuals, and calling 911 in emergencies.

Prior watches and public safety guidance

Before the upgrade to a Severe Extreme Heat Warning in the east, a watch was in effect from 12:01 p.m. on June 29 to 8:00 p.m. on July 3 for 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 were under a watch starting at 1:48 p.m. on June 28. Individuals without home cooling are directed to call 211 for cooling center information, and emergencies should be reported via 911. Limiting strenuous activity to early morning or evening and never leaving children or pets in vehicles remain key precautions during this multi-day event.