New York City will experience scorching weather this week, with the heat index expected to reach as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius). The city’s Emergency Management Office has issued a warning urging residents to be cautious of heatstroke.
According to Zach Iscol, Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), the heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday. Monday’s high is forecasted to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius), Tuesday’s high at 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius), and Wednesday at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tuesday afternoon will bring high temperatures, high humidity, and scattered thunderstorms. According to Fox TV weather forecasts, the peak of this heatwave on Tuesday is expected to match the record set 44 years ago on July 16, 1980, with a heat index exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to opening over 500 cooling centers, New York City has set up cooling centers for pets. Beaches will be open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, while the Olympic and Intermediate sized pools will extend their hours, opening from 11 am to 8 pm, and the small pools from 11 am to 7 pm.
Information on cooling centers can be found on the website finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling the 311 helpline.
Mayor Adams advised residents to use air conditioning indoors and low-income families can apply for free air conditioning through the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program.
The city government has collaborated with power companies to ensure the electrical system remains operational to prevent power outages. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of conserving energy and lowering electricity consumption to relieve pressure on the grid. The government has reduced power usage in 600 municipal buildings. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated and assist individuals with respiratory issues or other health conditions.
New York City’s Notify NYC app provides residents with real-time weather updates and is available in Chinese, aiding in understanding weather conditions.
According to city records, 2023 was the hottest year globally, and this June broke the Earth’s 13-month heat record and surpassed last year’s highest temperatures. Since June, Central Park has experienced temperatures higher than the normal average on 75% of days.