With temps set to hit mid-90s, NYC opens cooling centers

August 21, 2019 Kelly Mena

Brooklyn Public Library. jim.hendersen via Wikimedia Commons

Brooklyn Public Library branches, including the Central branch, double as cooling centers during heat waves. jim.hendersen via Wikimedia Commons

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New York City is full of hot air.

The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued a heat advisory for New York City residents as temperatures are set to hit the mid-90s today through 8 p.m. Thursday. Humidity across the city is also expected to increase, pushing up the heat index — and exacerbating dangerous conditions for vulnerable populations.

The city is opening cooling centers throughout the five boroughs to help locals beat the heat. Those with medical conditions, the elderly and small children should take extra care during extreme temperatures.

New York City Emergency Management recommends air conditioning as the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside. Cooling centers are public and are open during daylight hours.

Find your nearest cooling center.

“With another round of high heat and humidity today and tomorrow, we want to share some tips to help New Yorkers beat the heat,” said Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “Use air conditioning to stay cool or visit a cooling center or air-conditioned places, drink lots of water, wear light clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.”

This is the second heat advisory issued for the city in three days. According to the agency, a Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it’s 95 to 99 degrees outside for two or more consecutive days — or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Other tips from the city for staying cool during the two-day heat blast include:

Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Drink water, rest and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.
Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
Eat small, frequent meals.
Cool down with a cool bath or shower.

See the full list of tips from Emergency Management.

Additionally, there is a threat of severe thunderstorms looming for this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are possible. City residents should be regularly monitoring the weather forecasts for any changes.

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 NYC Cooling Center Finder at NYC.gov/beattheheat.