The New York City Emergency Management Agency (NYCEM) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) are urging residents to prepare for the heatwave in the coming days. According to weather forecasts, temperatures will soar to between the high 90s and 105 degrees Fahrenheit from Monday to Wednesday, with Tuesday expected to be the hottest day.
To ensure the health and safety of residents, the city government has activated its “Heat Emergency Response Plan,” which includes opening cooling centers, conducting outreach for high-risk populations, and collaborating with power companies to promote energy efficiency and ensure grid stability.
Cooling centers are available in all five boroughs of New York City, providing safe and air-conditioned spaces for residents in need of relief from the heat. The locations of these centers may differ from last year, and residents can call 311 or visit the city’s “Cool Options Map” to find the nearest cooling center.
In addition to indoor cooling resources, the city also offers outdoor cooling facilities, such as misting stations and water fountains, details of which can be found on the “Cool It! NYC” website. Outdoor pools across the city and some state park pools are also open, but it’s advisable to call ahead to confirm their availability before visiting.
Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to the risks of high temperatures, including the elderly (aged 60 and above), individuals with heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, and cognitive impairments.
During the heatwave, it is crucial to check on high-risk family and friends, assist them in getting to cooler locations, avoid leaving children or pets alone in vehicles, stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, avoid exposure to direct sunlight and drastic temperature changes, refrain from vigorous outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., hydrate regularly every 15 minutes even if not feeling thirsty, individuals who sweat heavily should replenish with electrolyte drinks, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, eat small, light meals, and avoid oily foods.
Outdoor workers should take precautions: employers should provide water, rest breaks, and shaded areas, establish a buddy system with colleagues to monitor each other for signs of heat-related illness, hydrate every 15-20 minutes, take regular breaks in cool areas, avoid heavy work during peak heat hours, wear light, breathable clothing, apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and reapply regularly.
If symptoms of heat-related illness such as dry, hot skin, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or nausea and vomiting occur, call 911 immediately. If feeling weak or dizzy, seek shade and hydrate promptly, and if symptoms persist, consult a doctor or call 911.
In hot and humid weather, maintaining a stable power supply is critical, and conserving energy can help reduce the risk of blackouts: set air conditioners to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or the highest comfortable temperature, operate high-energy devices such as ovens and washing machines in the early morning or at night, keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is on to prevent cool air from escaping, close blinds and curtains to block sunlight, turn off air conditioning and appliances when leaving home and use timed settings, businesses should close doors when using air conditioning.