According to the weather forecast, New York City will experience the first heatwave of the summer today (June 18th), with daytime temperatures expected to reach over ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Both the mayor and governor held press conferences to announce the heat prevention measures the government is providing for citizens.
“This is the first heatwave of the season, and we are prepared,” Mayor Adams said during Monday’s press briefing. “We anticipate the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for New York City effective from June 20th (Thursday) to June 21st (Friday); high temperatures and high humidity are expected in the coming days, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
In reality, the heat index will be significantly higher than the forecasted temperatures. Governor Hochu stated that meteorologists predict, “The prolonged high temperatures and humidity that began on Monday will sweep across the entire state from Tuesday to Friday; the combination of over ninety-degree temperatures and high humidity can make the heat index (or heat index) reach 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Central, Western, and Northern regions of New York State.”
“The heatwave expected this week could be very dangerous, and I encourage New Yorkers to take necessary precautions to ensure safety and avoid exhaustion,” the governor said. “Please closely monitor local weather forecasts, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible.”
Mayor Adams reminded the public that cooling centers throughout New York City will be open starting today; there are cooling centers available for pets in each district; beaches will also be open from 10 am to 6 pm; New Yorkers can enter their address at the link (https://on.nyc.gov/3RxEDXl) to find nearby cooling centers; or call 311 for inquiries; he encouraged New Yorkers to register for NotifyNYC, which provides weather updates in 14 languages for citizens to stay informed.
The mayor urged New Yorkers to slow down their work pace, ensure they have a working air conditioner at home, and the city government is in discussions with power companies to ensure electricity supply; those working outdoors should remember to take regular breaks, wear sunscreen, seek shade, and “do everything possible to lower body temperature.” The city government will also distribute cooling kits to outdoor workers to ensure their safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, extreme heatwaves in the United States are worsening and expected to become more frequent and intense. The CDC report states that although severe health and safety hazards can be prevented in many cases, approximately 1,220 people die from extreme heat each year in the United States.