Climate and health
Climate, including extreme weather, has a direct impact on health. As NYC’s climate changes, along with the world’s climate, we expect more frequent and intense heat waves, increased rainfall and more severe storms. These will add to existing weather-related risks. Already, heat kills more people than all other natural disasters combined.
In New York City, those most vulnerable to the dangers of hot weather are older adults and people with health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment - especially those in low-income, Black, and Brown communities. Air conditioning is the best defense against the heat. Equitable access and responsible use of air conditioning is crucial to protect the lives of all New Yorkers while reducing impacts on the environment.
2023 NYC Heat-Related Mortality Report
Summary Each summer, on average, an estimated 350 New Yorkers die prematurely because of hot weather in New York City (NYC). These heat-related deaths account for about 2% of …
Real-time heat-related illness
The weather forecast is the best way to predict heat-related health outcomes. We can also track heat-related illness with near real-time electronic data from emergency …
Interactive Heat Vulnerability Index
Use this Heat Vulnerability Explorer to look up your the heat vulnerability of your neighborhood, and the neighborhood characteristics that affect it.
Staying safe in cold weather Cold weather can be dangerous. Here are some tips for staying safe this winter.
How power outages affect health Imagine your child has asthma. One summer night, a powerful storm rolls in and knocks the power out. Your child starts to …
The urban heat island effect in NYC In New York City and across the country, more people die from extreme heat than from all other natural disasters combined. To …
Protecting New Yorkers from extreme heat Hot weather is dangerous. In New York City and across the country, more people on average die from extreme heat each year …
What hot weather means for food safety New Yorkers eat out more than a billion times a year. To help keep diners safe, the Health Department educates restaurant …