New York is bracing for extreme high temperatures starting from Sunday, June 22nd, to Tuesday, June 24th, with the heat index potentially reaching as high as 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 to 41 degrees Celsius). This marks the first encounter with such scorching weather this year, posing a threat to public health.
Governor Ho issued a statement on June 20th, Friday, mobilizing various government departments to work together in response to the heatwave. The New York State Emergency Management Office (NYSOEM) is coordinating the opening of cooling centers in each county; the New York State Department of Public Service (NYSDPS) is monitoring the power system load, with over 5,500 power workers prepared to tackle the risk of outages due to excessive electricity consumption; the Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are releasing heat-related health information and monitoring air quality and urban heat island effects; transportation workers and other high-temperature workers will adjust their work hours and enhance inspection and ventilation measures.
The state government advises the public to be aware of and alert to symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion; drink plenty of water, avoid activities in direct sunlight, and wear loose clothing; in case of air conditioning system failure, individuals can seek refuge at cooling centers; pay attention to the safety of the elderly, children, and chronic patients.
As high temperatures are expected on the primary election day of June 24th, Governor Ho urges the public to vote early or opt for mail-in voting to avoid the scorching heat.
Mayor Adams and the New York City Emergency Management Agency (NYCEM) remind residents to drink plenty of water, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); turn on the air conditioning or go to cooling locations such as friends’ or family’s homes; emphasize that “air conditioning is the most effective way to combat the heat,” with multiple cooling centers and public air-conditioned spaces set up by the authorities, including museums, churches, libraries, etc., urging citizens to make use of them; they hope the public will pay attention to and care for high-risk groups: the elderly, children, chronic patients, etc.; ensure pet safety, avoid leaving them alone in cars or walking on overheated surfaces.
New York City residents can find the nearest cooling centers on the NYC government website: [link to cooling centers](https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/)