
EXTREME HEAT
Overview
More deaths occur related to heat in New York City and the United States annually than as the result of all other extreme weather events combined. New York City is particularly susceptible to this hazard due to its dense urban environment, which absorbs and traps the heat. Prolonged periods of increased temperatures and humidity create a dangerous situation for individuals at greater risk for heat-related illness and strain the city’s utilities and infrastructure. Climate scientists expect that in the future, due to climate change, average temperatures will increase and heat waves will become more frequent, more intense, and longer in duration.