Wayne County officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions as extreme heat grips the region, with forecasts calling for the hottest temperatures in years.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through Tuesday at 6 p.m., warning of significant risks to public health and infrastructure. Officials say the high temperatures and humidity could impact health systems and heat-sensitive industries.
“Prepare for extreme heat this week by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors,” said Kim V. Leonard, Madam Chair of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors. “Very warm temperatures and high humidity will result in dangerous heat conditions.”
Wayne County has coordinated with local libraries to open cooling centers for public relief. A full list of locations and hours is available on the New York State Department of Health website. In addition, several area fire departments will host cool-down events through Tuesday. Residents are encouraged to check local social media pages for updates.
Public Health Director Diane Devlin emphasized that everyone faces risk from extreme heat, but certain groups—such as outdoor workers, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and the chronically ill—are especially vulnerable.
Emergency Manager George Bastedo stressed the urgency. “It typically takes two weeks for a person to acclimate to higher temperatures. That is not going to happen for this event,” he said. “Everyone must take extra precautions for themselves and their relatives and neighbors to stay safe for the next several days.”
Officials recommend staying hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and never leaving anyone alone in a closed vehicle.
Further resources and safety tips can be found at waynecountyny.gov and ready.gov.
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