Hiking in New York During the Heatwave? Keep These Safety Tips in Mind

The Hudson Valley and most of New York State will be under an "Extreme Heat Warning" and Government organizations are making sure  New Yorkers are staying safe.

New York Under Extreme Heat Warning

Saturday June 21st, 2025, kicked off the first official day of summer. Mother Nature took that seriously and is bringing extreme heat to the region over the next few days.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued an Extreme Heat Warning between Monday, June 23 through Tuesday, June 24th. An Extreme Heat Warning means "Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 expected."

READ MORE: Keep Your Pets Safe During the Dangerous New York Summer Heat

NOAA states "Heat related illnesses increase significantly" during extreme heat and high humidity events like New York and much of the east coast. Health professionals are urging locals to stay indoors if they can and to stay hydrated to avoid heat related illnesses.

Hiking in The Heat? NYS DEC Has Some Tips For You

As mentioned above one of the most common suggestions for staying safe in this "absurd heat," as one meteorologist called it, is to stay indoors.

However, if this is the weather you enjoy hitting the hiking trails in, make sure you're taking proper precautions.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has shared a list of tips to follow if you decided to head out to one of the many trails in the region.

Water is a must! They recommend bring "at least 2 liters of water." They add 1+ liters of water for every two hours of planned hiking." The DEC also recommends bringing a water filter for longer hikes and to be aware of water sources on your planned route.

Pack salty snacks to keep electrolytes in check and take breaks often.

Clothing plays a big part in your comfort while hiking in the heat, the DEC recommends moisture-wicking base layers and water-resistant shell layers.

As for pets, the DEC states they should stay home in this heat. They also add this piece of sound advice:

You can always hike another day-the mountains will still be there. If you're heading out, have fun, stay cool, and be safe.

Hot Weather Can Bring Dangerous Storms While Hiking

We all know there's always a chance of a summer storm, especially with temperatures skyrocketing to the 100's. The DEC writes:

 Keep an eye on the weather and change your plans if needed. Rain can lead to high and impassable water crossings, and being above the treeline is extremely dangerous when lightning is near.