New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are advising New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat and announced updates to its heat emergency operations. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s with heat indices in the upper 90s to lower 100s through mid-week.
NYCEM is monitoring a chance of showers and thunderstorms for tomorrow evening, with more storms possible Wednesday evening into the weekend. A few inches of heavy rain, localized flash flooding, and strong gusty winds will be possible if thunderstorms develop over the metro area.
NYCEM urges New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
New York City cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 or visit the City's Cool Options Map. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
Certain Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages, which are indicated on the map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers.
New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. New York City outdoor pools are open 11 a.m to 7 p.m. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park pool and Roberto Clemente State Park pool are open, call ahead to confirm.
During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.
Know the warning signs of heat illness, call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has: hot dry skin; trouble breathing; rapid heartbeat; confusion, disorientation; dizziness; nausea or vomiting. If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.
Keep your pets safe and avoid dehydration. Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. Walk your dog in the morning and evening, when the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
Know when your pet is in danger, symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.
For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat.
