Heat Emergency Continuing Throughout the Week in NYC

New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat and announced updates to its heat emergency operations. NYC Emergency Management is extending the activation of the City’s Heat Emergency Plan through Monday and is in close coordination with the National Weather Service on the weather forecast for the remainder of the week. Heat index values for Sunday, July 7 are expected to be around 95°F (35.5°C). On Monday, July 8, heat index values are expected to reach 95°F (35.5°C) or higher. Finally, beach-goers are urged to exercise caution at beaches due to a moderate risk of life-threatening rip currents.

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City’s Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. This year’s newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.