People in New York, NY are especially likely to experience increased risks from precipitation, heat, and flood.

New York is getting hit by the impact of more extreme precipitation, heat, and rising sea levels. The city has passed legislation to take aggressive action to cut emissions by more than 80 percent by mid-century. Despite these actions, climate change will result in billions of dollars of damage, lost revenue and mitigation costs over the next several decades.

Sea levels along New York’s coastline, home to more than half of New York State residents, have risen more than a foot since 1900. The impact of water in New York is made particularly dangerous by climate change-related extreme precipitation patterns. Record rainfall of 3.2 inches within a single hour in 2021 caused deadly flash floods across the city. The combination of warmer temperatures and increased precipitation is expected to make storms and hurricanes in the area increasingly dangerous in the next few decades.

A downpour for New York, NY is a two-day rainfall total over 1.1 inches. Around 1990, about 41.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 47.0%. The annual precipitation in New York, NY is projected to increase from about 45.6" to about 49.7".

Extreme precipitation in any form can pose significant risks. Climate change is increasing the potential for extreme rainfall or snowfall because warmer air can hold more water vapor. See more information on storm risk. Property owners can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme precipitation.

In a typical year around 1990, people in New York, NY experienced about 7 days above 91.8ºF in a year. By 2050, people in New York are projected to experience an average of about 29 days per year over 91.8ºF.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, even in places with cooler average temperatures. See more information on heat risk. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme heat.

Of 3135 census tracts in New York, NY, there are 873 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from storm surge, high tide flooding, surface (pluvial) flooding, and riverine (fluvial) flooding. Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.

Climate change is increasing inland and coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise and increasing chances of extreme precipitation. See more information on flooding risk.

The Lower Hudson watershed, which contains New York, NY, has experienced 383 weeks (32% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 23 weeks (2% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.

Climate change is increasing the risk of drought. Water stress (the ratio of water demand to supply) depends on how water utilities source water and their plans to adapt to climate change. Property owners can also take steps to reduce their risks from drought.

Of 3135 census tracts in New York, NY, there are 406 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk, and 250 where more than half of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.

Fire risk depends on proximity to vegation: densely developed urban areas have a much lower risk of burning than areas adjacent to wildland. Climate change increases risks from wildfire by creating hotter, drier conditions for fires to spread. ClimateCheck ratings of fire risk are based on projected weather conditions and U.S. Forest Service models simulating fire behavior.