New York City Hit by First Wave of High Temperatures This Year

According to the New York City weather forecast, this week New York City will experience its first wave of high temperatures for the year. It is expected that on June 5th, the temperature will climb to nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius), marking the highest since August 28th of last year. In response to the upcoming heatwave, the city government has introduced measures to cope with the rising temperatures and is urging residents to prepare early for the heat.

The city government is reminding residents that air conditioning is a crucial facility for preventing heat-related issues. Those without access to air conditioning are advised to seek relief in public spaces with cooling facilities such as friends’ homes, shopping malls, museums, cafes, and libraries. If the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a high-temperature warning, New York City will activate cooling centers, providing temporary relief locations for the public including libraries, community centers, senior centers, and public housing facilities.

Simultaneously, the New York City government is implementing a citywide initiative to expand cooling facilities available to the public during extreme heat conditions, with a particular focus on high-risk communities. These facilities include water spray equipment, drinking water fountains, and green spaces. Residents can utilize the online platform “Cool It! NYC” to find nearby cooling locations and resources. Link: https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/cool-it-nyc

In the state of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a series of measures in response to the high temperatures on June 2nd, which marked “Global Cooling Action Day.” The initiatives include providing free air conditioning to eligible residents, enhancing the accessibility of cooling centers, and promoting the design of buildings with better heat resistance and resilience. Additionally, the 2025 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will continue to accept applications, and individuals can apply through access.nyc.gov.

Governor Hochul emphasized that the rising summer temperatures and extreme weather events pose a threat to the health and safety of all residents in the state. The state government will persist in advancing relevant policies to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to appropriate resources for protection against high temperatures.