CHENANGO COUNTY – An extreme heat warning remains in effect for Chenango County through 8 p.m. Friday with forecasters expecting heat index values to reach dangerous levels Friday afternoon. Local meteorologists say the region will experience “feels-like” temperatures climbing above 100 degrees, prompting additional safety guidance from state officials. The National Weather Service has also issued a hazardous weather outlook noting the potential for scattered thunderstorms.

On Monday, NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for multiple days of extreme heat, warning that temperatures could reach the 90s and low 100s. Hochul said, “New Yorkers should take the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families by staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, and monitoring your local forecast. I also encourage everyone to check in on those most vulnerable and our elderly neighbors — one phone call or visit could save a life.”

Understanding the Alerts

Meteorologist Kaitlyn Lardeo at the National Weather Service (NWS) station in Binghamton, explained that an extreme heat warning is issued when heat index values are expected to reach 105 degrees or higher, while a heat advisory covers values up to 95.

Lardeo said that the hazardous weather outlook acts as a broader headline that can include multiple weather concerns. “They will have the headline in it as well, so it will say 'Extreme Heat Warning' but it also talks about if there's anything beyond that,” she said. “Which for Friday, that includes the standard storm potential.”

The current outlook includes both the extreme heat warning that's in effect as well the chance for scattered thunderstorms, which it says may have potential for gusty or locally damaging winds.

Thunderstorm potential into the holiday weekend

With Independence Day celebrations planned across the county, many residents are watching the forecast closely. Lardeo said the storm chances this weekend will be “hit or miss” and “kind of 50-50” with activity most likely in the afternoon and evening.

As far as how that will affect planned events, she noted that decisions are made by the organizers, not the Weather Service. “That's dependent on the events that are ongoing and the decision-makers,” she said. “They make their own decisions.”

State health officials warn of heat-related illnesses

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) stresses that extreme heat can be deadly. According to NYSDOH, health risks include dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsening of existing medical conditions. NYSDOH notes that everyone is at risk but certain groups are more vulnerable: older adults, children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and individuals without access to air conditioning.

NYSDOH recommends to prepare for the heat by staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks; take regular breaks when working or playing outdoors and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day; make sure that you can open windows or that your air conditioner is working properly; and talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn if medications might make you more sensitive to sun or heat.

Weekend Forecast

According to NWS current forecast, Friday will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m., and be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. Heat index values could go as high as 99 with the chance of precipitation 40%. Friday night is expected to have a chance of showers and thunderstorms, be mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

The current NWS forecast for Independence Day is a chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 p.m., partly sunny skies, with a high near 85 and the chance of precipitation is 60%.

For Saturday night, they forecast a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7 and 8 p.m., mostly cloudy, with a low around 62 and a chance of precipitation of 30%.

Sunday's forecast reads a chance of showers and thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m., partly sunny, with a high near 81, and a chance of precipitation of 40%. Sunday night is forecasted to have a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with showers likely after 2 a.m., mostly cloudy, with a low around 62, and the chance of precipitation is 70%.

Weather.gov is the official source for NWS forecasts and updates. Weather for Chenango County is monitored from the NWS Binghamton Forecast office.

Cooling centers in Chenango County

According to the NWS warnings, temperatures will stay very warm even at night time, making cooling challenging for those in non-airconditioned places. In the governor's announcement, she has asked for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to have extended hours at state swimming and cooling facilities and other state parks during the heat waves. In the Southern Tier, residents can go swimming at Chenango Valley State Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Taughannock Falls State Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Buttermilk Falls State Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Robert H Treman State Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Finding a cooling center in Chenango County may be more difficult. Official cooling centers in our county are the Otselic Valley Library in South Otselic, and W.R.A.P. in Norwich. Speaking with the Chenango County Office of Emergency Services (OES) on Thursday, they said they haven't gotten any formal request to set stuff up. Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Jim Dean, of the Chenango County Office of Emergency Management, said, “Keep well hydrated so that you don't fall into heat illness, that could then progress into heat stroke, which can be very life threatening.” They recommend that if you believe you or someone around you is suffering from a heat illness, call 911 and get evaluated right away.

Before visiting a cooling center, call ahead to make sure it is open, especially with it being a holiday weekend. There may also be other community organizations and businesses offering respite from the heat, so call around your area to see what's open and available.