NYC activates heat emergency plan, cooling centers open
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, through 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management activated the City's Heat Emergency Plan.
Heat index forecasts are expected to reach as high as 96 degrees in some parts of the city.
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The city's plans include opening cooling centers; expanding outreach to residents at highest risk, including older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people experiencing homelessness; issuing targeted alerts through the City's Advanced Warning System; increasing public information efforts; monitoring health impacts in real time; strengthening coordination with utilities; and working with healthcare providers and community organizations to reduce risks and protect public health.
"Just as New Yorkers look out for one another through the coldest days of winter, we must do the same through the hottest days of the year," Mayor Mamdani said. "City workers will be out across all five boroughs welcoming neighbors to cooling centers and helping our neighbors stay safe in extreme heat. I urge every New Yorker to plan ahead, stay hydrated, check in on loved ones and take this heat seriously."
The highest heat index values are expected between approximately 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. in portions of the Bronx, northern Manhattan and Staten Island.
New Yorkers are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
Residents should check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones, recognize the warning signs of heat illness and help others who may be at greater risk.
To help New Yorkers find relief, cooling centers will be open across all five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed since last year. New Yorkers can find a nearby cooling center, including accessible and pet-friendly locations, by visiting the City's Cool Options Map or calling 311. Service animals are always permitted at cooling centers.
In addition to cooling centers, the City offers outdoor cooling resources, including spray showers and drinking fountains, through Cool It! NYC.
Anyone who sees a homeless New Yorker who may need assistance is encouraged to contact 311 through phone or the City's mobile app and request outreach services.
For more information and tips, visit nyc.gov/beattheheat or nyc.gov/beready.
New Yorkers are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692, visiting the Notify NYC page, calling 311, following @NotifyNYC or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for Apple or Android devices.
