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.
Interactive Heat Vulnerability Index
Map of neighborhood heat vulnerability, and the neighborhood characteristics that affect it.
Your heat story
Read about New Yorkers' experiences with heat in the context of climate and health data.
Real-time heat-related illness
Data tracking heat-related emergency department visits during hot weather.
2025 NYC Heat-Related Mortality Report
Annual analysis of heat related deaths, contributing factors, and neighborhood impacts.
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