Another heat wave hit the New York metropolitan area this week, with the National Weather Service saying July 2024 is expected to be one of the hottest months on record.
National Weather Service meteorologist Faye Morrone said three minor heat waves have already been recorded since June, and if July 2024 ends on July 16, it will be the fourth-hottest month in New York’s history.
“July is the warmest month of the year, so it’s not surprising to see these high temperatures this month,” Morrone said, “but it does seem a little warmer than expected for an average July.”
What was the hottest July in the Lower Hudson Valley?
So how will the summer of 2024 compare to the summers we’re used to? We pulled data from the National Weather Service collection points at both the Westchester County Airport and Central Park to see how hot it actually is compared to past years.
The warmest July in New York City’s history was in 1999, when the average temperature was 81.4 degrees. In 2024, the current average July temperature is 80.7 degrees, just a few percent away from breaking that record. But while the average temperature seems cooler, the heat index makes it feel sweltering hot.
The National Weather Service said a heat advisory is issued when the heat index (a combination of heat and humidity) is forecast to be “between 95 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more consecutive days, or between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit for any duration.”
What causes a heatstroke warning?
But heat watches and heat waves are different: Heat watches are usually issued during heat waves, which are periods when temperatures are much higher and warmer than normal for that area and time of year, said Bianca Feldkircher, chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
Since 2000, New York’s average monthly temperature for the month of July is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Since 2000, the average daily high temperature for the month of July is 84.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This year’s temperatures are well above average, but with the month not yet over, Morrone said there could be more warming to come.
According to data from the National Weather Service, 2023 was the warmest year on average across New York, with 12 days when temperatures topped 90 degrees. Based on data from Central Park, the hottest day in the New York metropolitan area was July 9, 1936, when temperatures reached a brain-melting 106 degrees.
When was the hottest day this year?
Here are the hottest days in New York so far this year:
June 20 – 92 degrees June 21 – 93 degrees June 23 – 91 degrees June 26 – 91 degrees July 7 – 90 degrees July 8 – 91 degrees July 15 – 91 degrees
Morrone said high temperatures for the week of July 15 were expected to be around 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, temperatures this year are expected to be in the low to mid 90s Fahrenheit, a few degrees cooler.
The earliest date the temperature exceeded 90 degrees was April 7, 2010. 2010 also saw White Plains have the hottest July on record, with temperatures reaching 102 degrees on July 6. Additionally, there were 10 days with temperatures above 90 degrees and four days with temperatures above 95 degrees, making it the second-hottest month in New York history.
The longest consecutive streak of temperatures above 90 degrees was 12 days, from August 24 to September 4, 1953. The longest consecutive streak of temperatures above 100 degrees was July 8-10, 1993 and August 26-28, 1948. 1993 also saw the most days with temperatures above 90 degrees in a single month and year.
Why is New York so hot?
It remains to be seen how 2024 will rank among the hottest years on record, but we do know that New York has been getting gradually hotter over the past few years.
“Climate change is already increasing the severity, duration and frequency of extreme heat events in New York state,” the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said on its website. “The impacts of extreme heat are likely to become even more severe as temperatures increase and heat waves become more intense, frequent and longer-lasting due to climate change.”
According to the NYDEC, New York state averaged less than one heat wave per year from 2000 to 2004. The NYDEC projects that by 2050, New York state could see more days with temperatures above 90 degrees, and some parts of the state could experience up to eight heat waves per year.
As New Yorkers prepare for this year’s record-breaking summer, the National Weather Service offers these tips to stay cool and safe:
Tips for staying cool during the heatwave
Here are some tips from the National Weather Service to stay safe during a heat wave.
Slow down. Reduce or avoid strenuous exercise until the coolest times of the day. Seniors, children, pregnant women, and other at-risk individuals should stay in cooler places as much as possible, but not necessarily indoors. A local pool might be fine. Dress lightly. Wear sundresses and shorts. Wear loose, light, light-colored clothing that reflects heat for protection. Stay out of the sun. Wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen, since sunburn can reduce the body’s ability to dissipate heat, according to the National Weather Service. Eat lightly. Choose foods that are cool and easy to digest, such as fruits, salads, and fruit salads. If you bring food, be sure to pack meat and dairy products in a cooler or with ice packs, as they can spoil in the heat. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty, and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Get to cool places. Spend time in air-conditioned areas, such as your home, a library, a shopping mall, or other public spaces. You can find the nearest emergency cooling center by county on the New York State Department of Health website. Use a fan: If you don’t have access to air conditioning or want to save money on your energy bill, use a portable fan to push hot air out of the room and bring cooler air in. However, if temperatures are above 90°F, the National Weather Service warns not to point the fan at yourself. Dry winds can speed up dehydration, increasing your health risks. Take a cool bath or shower to refresh and lower your body temperature. Check on your loved ones: If you know someone at risk of heatstroke, make sure they are well cared for and in a safe, cool place. Keep your technology warm: Don’t leave cell phones, GPS units, or other electronic devices in a hot car.
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