Another July Scorcher? What the Forecast Means for Health in the Northeast

With just a 7 percent chance of a cooler-than-average month, NYC and the broader region are bracing for sustained summer heat.

July is always warm in the Northeast (duh!) — but this year, it’s likely to be hotter than usual.

In fact, according to NOAA’s latest forecast, the odds favor a hot July — with a 50–60% likelihood of above-average temperatures and only about a 7% chance of cooler-than-normal conditions.

Sustained summer heat — especially in dense urban areas like New York City — can worsen health outcomes, increase ER visits for heat-related illnesses, and place vulnerable populations at greater risk. Planning ahead can help save lives.

For decision-makers, that’s a clear signal: now is the time to prepare.

Also see: Northeast Meltdown: Three Weeks of Above Normal Heat Threaten Public Health

Why It Matters

Heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather in the U.S., and urban heat islands like New York City bear the brunt of this risk.

For example, last week’s hea…