The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that New York City will face scorching hot weather this week, with heat index potentially soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The city government has launched a heat emergency plan and urges the public to stay vigilant to prevent heatstroke.
After the heavy rain and subsequent transportation disruptions on Monday (July 14), the New York metropolitan area is expected to experience high temperatures and humidity in the coming days. It is forecasted that the heat index could exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meteorological experts from the National Weather Service stated that this week the actual temperatures will be elevated by high humidity, with the heat index potentially being 5 to 10 degrees higher than the actual temperature, reaching a peak between 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 38 to 40 degrees Celsius) on Thursday.
The weather agency also predicts intermittent rain or thunderstorms until Friday.
In response to the heat threat, Mayor Adams and the New York City Emergency Management Agency (NYCEM) are urging residents to take precautions against the heat. Adams stated in a press release, “Please drink plenty of water, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours, and seek help promptly if you experience dizziness or discomfort.” He also urged residents to conserve electricity, recommending not to set the air conditioning temperature too low and reduce the use of large appliances during peak electricity consumption periods.
The city government has activated the “Heat Emergency Response Plan”, with relevant departments coordinating responses to the heatwave. Outreach workers on the streets will also encourage homeless individuals to go to shelters or cool locations to escape the heat.
According to city statistics, over 500 people in New York City die annually from heat-related illnesses, with residents without air conditioning being at the highest risk. Since Tuesday (15th), the city government has opened cooling centers in the five boroughs, and residents can find information on nearby locations through the city’s website https://www.nyc.gov or by calling 311.