New York City Health Department Releases Report on Heat-related Mortality
Annual Report Finds More Than 500 People Die From Heat Each Summer, Making Up About 3 Percent Of All Summer Deaths
June 30, 2025 — The New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) recently released the 2025 New York City Heat-Related Mortality Report, an annual report describing the toll that heat takes on the lives of New Yorkers. The report shows that on average each year from 2018-2022, there were about 525 heat-related deaths. Most of these are heat-exacerbated deaths, which happen when heat worsens existing health conditions such as heart disease. There are an average of five heat stress deaths per year caused directly by heat. The average annual number of heat-related deaths represents about 3 percent of all deaths each warm season from May to September.
Over the past decade, as New York City’s climate has warmed, heat-related deaths have increased compared to the previous decade. Still, the total—more than 500 each summer—remains in line with recent years.
“Climate change is a driving factor for the rising temperatures across New York City. This shift is leading to unjust heat-related deaths, for Black New Yorkers and for low wealth New Yorkers,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “As our city endured yet another heat wave, we encourage those without access to air conditioning in their homes to utilize cooling centers. We also encourage New Yorkers to check on their neighbors and loved ones, especially if they are of advanced age. Extreme heat is a public health issue, and the NYC Health Department is here is help.”
“This report lays out a grim reality: each summer, extreme heat kills more than 500 New Yorkers, most of them in their own homes without air conditioning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “The risk is greatest in communities already facing deep health and housing inequities. Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in New York City. It takes more lives than hurricanes, floods, or winter storms. We thank the Health Department for producing this report and for being a critical partner in the city’s Heat Emergency Plan. Their real-time surveillance helps us respond faster, target resources where they are needed most, and protect those at greatest risk. Our job is to act early, reach the most vulnerable, and save lives before the heat can take them.”
The report notes that Black New Yorkers are still unfairly and disproportionately affected by heat-related mortality. That is a direct consequence of structural racism, which has artificially linked race and class in New York City and across the United States. Living without an air conditioner—or being unable to afford to turn it on—is the most important risk factor for death caused directly by heat. Historically redlined communities are among the most impacted by deaths caused or exacerbated by heat.
Approximately 100 heat-exacerbated deaths each year are attributable to the most extreme heat days (i.e., days that meet the National Weather Service extreme heat advisory threshold for NYC). The rest occurred on non-extreme hot days, or days with temperature below the heat advisory threshold but above 82°F. These hot, but not extreme, days are also dangerous. The number of these hot days has increased over the past decade more quickly than extreme heat days. Over the same time period, home air conditioning rates remained steady after having increased over the previous decades, as shown in last year’s report. Without AC, indoor temperatures can be much higher than outdoors, especially at night, and can continue for days after a heat wave.
The Essential Plan Cooling Program will provide a free air conditioner to New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan who have persistent asthma. Learn more or apply online.
New York City is working to tackle the climate crisis and help residents deal with hotter summers. Under the long-term climate plan PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, beginning in 2025, the City requires cooling in all new housing, and will develop maximum temperature regulations for homes by 2030, and use programs like HEAP to help residents stay cool.
New Yorkers can stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies by signing up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, by calling 311, visiting the Notify NYC website, or downloading the Notify NYC app to sign up.
All summer New Yorkers can visit the newly revamped Cool Options Map to easily locate information on “cool options,” including libraries, malls, and museums that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat, as well as Cooling Center locations during heat emergencies. NYCEM has expanded partnerships to provide a wider range of cooling centers throughout the city, including pet-friendly options.
More data and information about heat, climate, and health is available on the Health Department’s Climate and Health data hub.
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MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov