The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for all of New York City from Monday, July 15 through 10pm on Tuesday, July 16.
A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time, according to a news release.
Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures, the NWS said.
"I just want New Yorkers to know, do not underestimate the heat," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams at a press briefing on Monday. "This heat is not normal, we've said it over and over again, climate change is here and is real, and it is a clear and present danger."
Some of the public pools will be open later. Olympic and intermediate pools will be open from 11am through 8pm, while mini pools will be open 11am until 7pm, the mayor said. You can find a public pool near you here.
Find a cooling center or a public library branch to keep safe, the mayor noted.
Since June 1, nearly 75% of daily max temps in Central Park were above normal, according to Zach Iscol, commissioner of New York City Emergency Management.
"Heat is something that is very serious. It kills more people than any other weather event. That's why some folks refer to heat as a silent storm," he said.
It is essential to take the steps to protect yourself by understanding first what are the signs that the heat may be having an effect on you, said Ashwin Vasan, commissioner of the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
"Things like cold and clammy skin. The body releases sweat in order to cool itself, but there's a point at which it can no longer release sweat, and the skin becomes either excessively hot or excessively cool over time because circulation is worsened. That is a bad sign. That is a sign that you've been affected by the heat," he said.
It is best to stay hydrated and stay indoors, as over 300 New Yorkers die every year of heat-related deaths, Vasan said.
"If you're starting to feel confused or your speech is slurred, if your pulse is fast and unable to slow down, if you have a headache, nausea, trouble breathing, weakness or dizziness, or if you feel like you want to lose consciousness or you're about to lose consciousness, these are all signs that the heat's having an effect on you," he added.
Janno Leiber, the chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said the agency's heat patrol teams are increasing track inspections to make sure that the heat doesn't affect track alignment.
In addition, the MTA is working closely with Consolidated Edison to make sure it is helping out with the electric grid loading by going on generator power and otherwise reducing our load impact wherever we can, Leiber said.
