On June 21st, the solar term was the summer solstice, as a heatwave swept through, pushing temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in New York City. The heat index soared even higher, surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The city issued a heat advisory urging residents to find ways to beat the heat.
In Manhattan and the Bronx, the temperature on June 21st reached 92 degrees Fahrenheit, while Queens and Brooklyn experienced highs of 94 degrees. Staten Island and New Jersey even hit 98 degrees, with the heat index exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This scorching heat is expected to continue for several days. High temperatures not only raise the risk of heatstroke but could also be fatal, as seen by the 350 heat-related deaths in New York City last year.
To combat the extreme heat, the city of New York issued a heat advisory, advising people to minimize outdoor activities. They offered several tips on their official website to help people stay cool: avoid strenuous physical activities, drink plenty of water even if not thirsty, stay in shaded areas, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and hats, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, schedule outdoor activities during the cooler early morning or evening hours, avoid consuming alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary beverages. The police department also reminded the public on social media platforms to check on family members or neighbors who may be affected by the heatwave and to ensure no children or pets are trapped in hot cars outdoors. Additionally, pets can also suffer from heatstroke, so it’s essential to avoid leaving them outdoors all day or in poorly ventilated cars.
People should be vigilant for signs of heat-related illnesses in themselves or their family members, such as: cessation of sweating, fever, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion or sluggishness, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, weakness, muscle cramps, etc. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.
The city government has opened numerous cooling centers throughout the city. To find a cooling center near your residence, you can visit the website: https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/
Low-income families can apply for assistance with air conditioning expenses through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in New York State. Further details can be found on the website: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance