According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, the New York City area will experience consecutive days of temperatures in the lower to mid-90s with heat indices in the mid to upper 90s. Sunday appears to be the hottest day, with heat indices in excess of 100 degrees.
"Stay cool and stay hydrated during the extreme heat we're expecting in the coming days," said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. "You can also help others to beat the heat by checking on your neighbors, especially if they are seniors, young children, and people with disabilities and access and functional needs."
To help New Yorkers beat the heat, the city will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs beginning on Friday, June 29, through Monday, July 2. Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers, senior centers and NYCHA facilities that are open to the public during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 or visit the NYC Cooling Center Finder at NYC.gov/beattheheat.
Extreme heat is defined by temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region, last for prolonged periods, and are accompanied by high humidity. The New York City Emergency Management Department urges New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. Those at increased risk are people who do not have or use air conditioning and are 65 years or older; have chronic medical, mental health or cognitive/developmental conditions; are confined to their beds, have limited mobility, or are unable to leave their homes; are obese, or misuse alcohol or drugs.
There is also some good news for those who love to enjoy the heat and the sun! The NYC Parks Department announced that it is extending general swim hours to 8:00pm at all outdoor Olympic and intermediate pools beginning Friday, June 29, through Sunday, July 1. Brooklynites can take advantage of the extended hours at the following pools in Central and East Brooklyn:
- Betsy Head Pool, 674 Thomas S. Boyland Street
- Bushwick Pool, Humboldt Street, Flushing & Bushwick Avenues
- Commodore Barry Pool, Flushing and Park Avenues, Navy and North Elliot Streets
- Howard Pool, Glenmore and Mother Gaston Blvd., East New York Avenue
- Kosciuszko Pool, Marcy Avenue between DeKalb Avenue & Kosciuszko Street
- Douglas and DeGraw Pool, Third Avenue and Nevins Street
Additional health and safety tips to protect from the heat:
- Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine. Eat small, frequent meals.
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours: 11:00am to 4:00pm. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00am and 7:00am.
- If possible, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
- Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
- Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
- Never leave your children or pets in the car.
Summer has arrived! Have fun, stay cool and safe!
