Triple digits, ‘dangerous heat’ expected
An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for the entire region as triple digit temperatures are expected across the Hudson Valley this week.
“Dangerous heat will build across the region this week with the hottest conditions on Wednesday and Thursday and possibly extending into Friday,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albany. An Extreme Heat Watch remains in effect from 10am Wednesday through Friday evening. “The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will lead to an increased risk for heat-related illnesses.”
Meterologist Ben Noll says this will be the fifth time this century the Hudson Valley will see triple digit temperatures – better than the summer of 1933, when temperatures exceeded 100-degrees seven times, reaching 104-degrees on August 1, 1933, the region’s highest temperature on record.
Records will be tested this week as temperatures rise on Wednesday into the upper 90s, hitting over 100-degrees on Thursday (102-degrees forecasted in Poughkeepsie) with “blazing heat and humidity” continuing into Friday. There will not be much relief at night, forecasters say, as temperatures will steady in the 70s with humid conditions persisting overnight.
In addition to the oppressive heat and humidity, the NWS says there is a “marginal risk for severe thunderstorms for most of eastern New York and western New England, except for the I-84 corridor, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Confidence in how widespread severe weather will be is low, but severe thunderstorms at this time are expected to be more isolated Wednesday. The main threat will be damaging winds and isolated large hail.”
The Hi-Way Drive-In Movie Theater says it’s “too darn hot” in their snack bar on a normal hot summer day, so as a temperatures threaten to hit 100-degrees this week, the outdoor movie spot will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the heat. Check the HVNY calendar for any heat-related event updates.
The National Weather Service in Albany says to stay indoors, bring pets indoors or provide plenty of shade and water, use a buddy system and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning if you need to be outside, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Need some relief? Head to your local library, the movies, a shopping center, or find a dedicated cooling center near you: https://hvny.info/info/coolingcenters
How to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat Events
Outdoor Activities
Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Those particularly vulnerable to heat such as children, infants, older adults (especially those who have pre-existing conditions, take certain medications, living alone or with limited mobility), those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
Eating and Drinking
Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you are on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Cooling Down
Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
Take a cool bath or shower.
Check on Others
Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Keep children, disabled persons, and pets safe during heat waves
For more heat health tips, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Free A/Cs available for eligible Dutchess residents
During these increasingly hot summers, eligible residents in Dutchess County can find relief with a free window air conditioning unit through a new partnership. To qualify,
Dutchess residents who are 65 or older, or who have a medical condition made worse by heat
Meet income eligibility requirements
Do not currently have a working air conditioner in their home
Applications are available online and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. Priority will be given to older adults with medical conditions that may be worsened by extreme heat. Those who have received an air conditioner within the past five years either through HEAP or the County’s cooling assistance program, are not eligible.
Those who have the New York State of Health Essential Plan must apply through the Essential Plan Cooling Program.
Deadline approaching for NYS A/C Cooling Program
Residents across the state can apply for assistance through the New York State Essential Plan Cooling Program. Air conditioning units are available to Essential Plan members on a first-come, first-serve basis. The deadline to apply for the Essential Plan Cooling Program (EPCP) this season is June 30, 2026 at 5PM. https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/CoolingProgram
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