Last week, New York City experienced significant extreme weather, primarily characterized by heavy rainfall and flash flooding followed by heat-related conditions.
On 14 July, a slow-moving storm brought torrential rains to the New York City area, resulting in the second-wettest hour on record, with 2.64 inches (67mm) of rain falling in Central Park between 17.00 and 18.00 and only surpassed by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021. This caused widespread flooding, submerging streets, swamping subway stations, and leading to significant disruptions.
The flooding impacted public transit, with water cascading into subway stations and inundating tracks, temporarily stranding commuters. By July 15, most transit services were back to normal, but the event highlighted the vulnerability of aging infrastructure to extreme weather. Two fatalities were reported in New Jersey when a car was swept into a brook.
The storm system moved south by July 15, with clearer skies returning to NYC, though lingering showers occured. Flood watches remained in effect for areas south of New York, from Delaware to South Carolina.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive report of climate science from 14 federal agencies, released in November 2023 indicated that the Northeast U.S. has seen a 60% increase in extreme precipitation events in recent decades, the largest regional increase.
For 16-17 July, a heat advisory was issued for New York City covering the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island due to high temperatures and humidity creating hazardous conditions. High temperatures on 17 July reached 92°F (33°C), with the heat index (feels-like temperature) peaking at 103°F (39.5°C) due to high humidity levels.
In addition, an Air Quality Health Advisory was issued for New York City and surrounding counties – Westchester, Rockland, Bronx, Kings, Queens and Richmond due to ground-level ozone levels exceeding an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 100. This was driven by hot, sunny conditions conducive to ozone formation, posing risks to sensitive groups like those with asthma, the elderly, and children. Recommendations included avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak heat hours – 11.00 – 15.00.
The New York State Department of Health advised staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned spaces, and checking on vulnerable individuals. Cooling centres across the boroughs were open with locations available through the NYC Emergency Management website. Governor Hochul commenting on the elevated heat said. “I encourage everyone to be prepared for periods of warmer weather, including making a preparedness plan and knowing the location of local cooling centres.”
Governor Huchel has been instrumental in prioritising how the current and future impacts of extreme heat for New York State. In June 2024, an Extreme Heat Action Plan was released jointly by the Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The plan provides a road map for coordinated State action on extreme heat adaptation. The 49 actions are organised in 4 tracks to:
- support extreme heat adaptation, planning and implementation (track 1);
- enhance community preparedness, communication, and workers’ health and safety (track 2);
- enhance the resilience of built environments, infrastructure, and managed spaces (track 3);
- advance ecosystem-based adaptation and natural solutions (track 4).
