Heat, humidity return mid-week

HVNY News + Notes

Jul 13

Written By HVNY

Heat index values will hit the triple digits again this week across the Hudson Valley, according to local forecasters. A heat advisory will be in effect from 11am Tuesday until 7pm on Wednesday as temperatures and humidity levels rise, with the potential to cause heat-related illnesses.

According the National Weather Service in Albany, heat index values up to 103-degrees are expected on Tuesday, and up to 98-degrees on Wednesday.

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning and take frequent breaks if working outside.

Ulster County has activated its cooling centers beginning Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm daily. Ulster’s designated cooling centers are located at the 2nd Iglesia La Mision Church, at 80 Elmendorph Street in Kingston, and the Trudy Center at 50 Center Street in Ellenville.

Due to the extreme heat, the Dutchess County Office for the Aging Summer Picnic for older residents of the Towns of North East, Pine Plains, Stanford and Washington (including Villages of Millbrook and Millerton) has been postponed to Friday, July 24, 2026 at Stissing Mountain High School in Pine Plains.

If you don’t have air conditioning, head to your library, grocery store, shopping center or find an official cooling center near you.

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