Climate and Health

Climate change is already impacting New York State and is expected to continue altering and influencing all regions in the years ahead.

The New York State (NYS) Climate Impacts Assessment reports that the state has been warming at a rate of 0.25°F per decade from 1902 to 2022, with temperatures projected to rise by 6.1°F to 10.6°F by the 2080s in the Adirondacks Region which includes Lewis County. Historically, the Adirondacks Region has been the coldest part of New York. According to this report our region is expected to experience some of the largest temperature increases in the state. By 2080, the number of extremely hot days is projected to be between 12 and 45 days per year, historically we average just one day per year above 90°F. This increase in temperature is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heat waves, posing health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

New York State has experienced increases in precipitation and heavy precipitation events. Heavy rainstorms that lead to flooding are expected to be more frequent. Several other types of storms are expected to become more intense, with heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and higher storm surge along the coast.

Warmer temperatures will bring a shift in snowfall and lake ice. Lakes throughout the state are freezing later and thawing earlier, and this trend is expected to continue. Winter precipitation is predicted to increase in this region, but more will fall as rain than snow due to the prediction of fewer days below freezing. The Adirondacks Region historically experiences an average of 33 days below 0°F per year. It is projected that by the 2080’s we could have only 2-11 days below 0°F.

Due to climate change, there may be significant shifts in agriculture and growing seasons, affecting when and where crops can be successfully cultivated.

Source: Stevens, A., & Lamie, C., Eds. (2024). New York State Climate Impacts Assessment: Understanding and preparing for our changing climate. https://nysclimateimpacts.org

Climate and your Health

Source: Impact of Climate Change on Human Health. (2024, December). New York State Department of Health. https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/

Climate change threatens public health in various ways. Vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, low-income communities, and those with chronic illnesses face the greatest risks and have fewer resources to adapt or recover. Rising temperatures cause heat stress, dehydration, and cardiovascular issues. Flooding and rising sea levels increase the risks of drowning, exposure to mold, and contamination of drinking water sources. Droughts and wildfires contribute to respiratory problems like asthma, water shortages, and heightened pollution. Warmer temperatures and more rainfall promote the spread of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.

How to Protect Your Health

Stay Informed and Ready

Learn how to protect yourself and your family from emergencies like extreme storms, flooding, poor outdoor air quality, harmful blue-green algae blooms, extreme heat and cold, and tick- or mosquito-borne illnesses.

Visit the New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard to assess your health risk due to heat exposure.

Extreme Heat Advice

Extreme heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States. Over the last few years there has been a steady increase in heat-related fatalities. 2023 had the highest number of heat related fatalities ever recorded. New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services report that approximately 20 New Yorkers die each year because of extreme heat. New Yorkers’ bodies are not used to long periods of extreme heat, and this increases our risk.

Never leave a child behind in a vehicle. Vehicles heat up fast and stay hot even if the windows are open, the engine is running, or the air conditioning is on. Rolling down windows or parking in the shade will not safely keep the car cool. You should always check the back seat before you leave your vehicle. You should also teach your children that a vehicle is not a play area. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s.

Prepare for the Heat:

- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you.
- Not all cooling methods are safe during extreme heat. Fans may actually do more harm than good if the indoor temperature is higher than your body temperature. Know when it’s too hot for a fan to be effective.
- Take frequent breaks when outdoors and avoid intense activity during the hottest hours of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Plan ahead for heat waves, especially if you’re an older adult or caring for someone at higher risk of heat-related illness.
- Check that your windows can open and your air conditioner is working properly.
- Some medications can increase your sensitivity to heat or sunlight. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.

Access Helpful Resources:
Find support to manage rising temperatures.

Spend a few hours each day in air-conditioned spaces to help lower your risk of heat-related illness. If you do not have an air conditioner, visit a cooling center. Centers can be found by visiting NYS Cooling Center Finder.

Eligible households can get a Cooling Assistance Benefit to buy and install an air conditioner.

Know the symptoms of heat-related illness:

Illness	Symptoms	What to Do
Heat stroke (sun stroke) THIS IS AN EMERGENCY – ACT FAST!	Hot, dry, red skin Rapid pulse High body temperature ≥ 105° Loss of alertness Confusion Unconsciousness or coma Rapid and shallow breathing	Call 911 immediately. Cool the person quickly. Bring to a cool place and use a cool bath or sponges, fans and AC. OR Wrap ice packs in cloth and place on neck, wrists, ankles and armpits. OR Remove clothing and wrap the person in cool, wet sheets.
Heat exhaustion	Heavy sweating Fainting Vomiting Cold, pale, clammy skin Dizziness Headache Nausea Weakness	Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke so if symptoms worsen or don’t improve get medical help. Move the person to a cool place. Loosen clothes and apply cool, wet cloths to the neck, face and arms. Have the person sip water slowly. Provide half a glass of water every 15 minutes up to about 1 quart. Stop giving water if vomiting occurs.
Heat cramps	Muscle cramps in the abdominal area or extremities Heavy sweating Mild nausea	Move the person to a cool place. Apply firm pressure to the cramping muscle. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold it for 20 seconds followed by gentle massage. Have the person drink some cool water.
Heat rash	Skin irritation that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters	Move the person to a cool place. Keep the affected area dry. Have the person use talcum powder to increase comfort.

Outdoor Air and Health

Air quality in New York State is usually excellent, but at times, air pollution can still impact millions of people both locally and across the country. Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight.

Sometimes, air pollution is visible—like smoke from wildfires, emissions from smokestacks, or vehicle exhaust—and may have a noticeable odor. Other times, you may only become aware of poor air quality through news reports or weather alerts. Just like the weather, air pollution levels can vary daily or even throughout the day.

Follow Air Quality Alerts

New York State issues Air Quality Alerts when certain outdoor air pollutants are expected to reach unhealthy levels. These alerts are typically announced the day before or the same day for the specific region affected. You may hear them on the news or see them during weather reports.

Air Quality Alerts will tell you:

The pollutant of concern
The AQI or rating of air quality from good to hazardous
Who is at risk
Actions to protect health when outdoor air is unhealthy

Using resources like Air Quality Index, Heat Vulnerability Index Maps, and Environmental Public Health Tracker can help determine outdoor air quality.

When Outdoor Air Quality is Unhealthy

Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you are part of a sensitive group—such as children and teens, older adults, pregnant individuals, or people with heart or respiratory conditions. Those who are physically active or work outside are also at higher risk. You can also look into clean air centers for a safer environment.

If your home gets too warm, use air conditioning if available, or go to a designated cooling location.

If you must be outside, take regular breaks and try to limit strenuous activity until air quality improves.

Schools, childcare providers, adult care facilities, employers, and program organizers should move activities indoors or limit outdoor time when air conditions are poor.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should reach out to their healthcare provider.

Recommendations for Workers

Long work schedules and the physical demands of work performed outdoors can affect a worker’s health when air quality is unhealthy.
Take frequent breaks and talk to your employer about adjusting your work until air quality improves. Follow advice from NIOSH.

Recommendations for Schools and Child Care Providers

Continue to monitor air quality at airnow.gov.
Consider implementing an Air Quality Flag Program where each day your organization raises a flag when the air is unhealthy. On these days you can use this information to adjust outdoor activities.
New York State recommends that schools and child care providers suspend outdoor activities and field trips when air quality is unhealthy.
When air quality is good, resume normal activities.