NYC activates Heat and Flash Flood Emergency plans ahead of dangerous heat, thunderstorms

Thursday, August 6, 2026 1:54AM

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NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has activated the city's Heat and Flash Flood Emergency plans in anticipation of dangerous heat and severe thunderstorm threats expected on Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 11 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, with heat index values expected to reach around 100 degrees.

Click here for the latest advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms with the potential for localized heavy downpours are possible beginning Wednesday, with storm chances increasing Thursday, and the chance for more widespread thunderstorms on Friday.

The mayor is urging New Yorkers to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible. He's also urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, especially older adults, people with disabilities and those with chronic health conditions.

The city is asking that New Yorkers also stay indoors, when possible, during heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, and use caution if you have to travel, especially if there are downed power lines and fallen trees.

Residents of basement apartments are urged to make a plan now for where to go if flooding occurs. Anyone in immediate danger or trapped by rising water should call 911 immediately. Downed trees, blocked catch basins and other nonemergency hazards should be reported to 311, according to the mayor.

"City government is mobilizing every resource we have - from clearing catch basins and preparing emergency crews to sending COOL vans to check on older adults," Mamdani said. "Protecting New Yorkers means showing up before the storm, not just after it."

Cooling Centers and Cool Options

In preparation for the weather threats, Mamdani says the city is opening hundreds of cooling centers across the five boroughs on Thursday and Friday. New Yorkers can find locations, including accessible and pet-friendly sites, online or by calling 311.

Thousands of LinkNYC kiosks will provide real-time walking directions to the nearest cooling center within a 10-minute walk.

Other services provided by the city include the following:

New Yorkers can also find relief at spray showers and other places to cool off by visiting on.nyc.gov/CoolItNYC.

The city's roughly 50 outdoor pools are free and open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Olympic- and intermediate-sized pools will remain open until 8 p.m.

Public beaches are free and open daily, with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming outside designated areas or when lifeguards are off duty is prohibited and extremely dangerous.

Outreach to Vulnerable New Yorkers

The city will activate Code Red outreach from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, expanding street outreach to connect homeless New Yorkers with shelter, cooling centers and essential services. Shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, and walk-ins are welcome. Anyone concerned about someone who may need assistance is encouraged to call 311.

Twenty-one COOL vans will provide wellness checks, medical care, electrolytes, sunscreen, meals - including vegetarian, kosher and halal options, transportation to cooling centers or health care facilities, and home visits for older adults to help them stay safe during the heat.

New Yorkers can stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and visiting nyc.gov/bereadyfor more health and safety guidance.

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