Mayor Adams Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Summer's First Heat Wave

June 21, 2025

Video available at: https://youtu.be/zDUu0dEUihk

New York City Will Activate Heat Emergency Plan for First Time in 2025 Ahead of Expected Heat Wave

Cooling Centers Open Sunday; Hours Will Vary by Location, Check 'Cool Options Map' or call 311

New York – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today urged New Yorkers to take precautions as high heat is expected to continue through Wednesday, June 25. New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) issued this Extreme Heat Warning, citing the National Weather Service forecast for the first heat wave of the season with heat indices reaching over 100°F over the coming days. New York City defines extreme heat events as periods when the heat index is 100°F or higher for one or more days, or 95°F or higher for two or more consecutive days.

"Summer in the city is here — and so is our first heat wave of the year. This extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive, it will be brutal and it will be dangerous to those who spend extended periods outside," said Mayor Adams. "This week's heat wave could be deadly and life threatening if you are not prepared. That's why New York City has a plan to beat the heat. Know your cool options, whether it's your own home, the home of a friend or family member with an air conditioner, a mall, a library, a museum, or an official city cooling center, and consider taking care of tasks that require you to be outdoors today or during off-peak hours when the sun is not as intense. We are in constant communication with our utility partners and monitoring the electric system, and city government is leading by example by reducing energy usage. We have also activated all agencies to get the word out. We want all New Yorkers to enjoy summer in the greatest city in the world — and we want to make sure that everyone is safe and protected whether they are in the sun, on the beach, on the streets, at home, or at work. This administration has made public safety the center of everything we do — and that includes preparing for extreme weather emergencies and protecting people outdoors. So be prepared, be safe, and stay cool this week."

"After a cooler, rainier start to June, this sudden heatwave may catch some New Yorkers off guard," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "As temperatures soar to nearly 100 degrees this week, we urge all New Yorkers to take the heat seriously. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and, most importantly, find places in your neighborhood to cool down, so you and your family avoid the dangerous consequences of heat illness."

High heat is a silent killer, posing a disproportionate threat to our most vulnerable residents: adults aged 60 and older, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairment. 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 their air conditioner. Those without air conditioning should identify their 'Cool Options,' which range from private to public options, such as a friend, neighbor, or family member's home, or indoor air-conditioned places open to the public like libraries, malls, and museums, including official NYC Cooling Centers.

During extreme heat, the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency's not-for-profit contracted outreach teams who engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7 redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.

NYCEM and DOHMH 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 DOHMH's website or NYCEM's Beat the Heat webpage.

The 'Cool Options Map' is available 24/7 to help New Yorkers find places to stay cool. It includes official Cooling Centers that open during heat emergencies, as well as a wide range of other air-conditioned spaces — such as libraries, malls, and museums — that remain accessible even when a heat emergency is not in effect. A separate citywide map of outdoor cooling features, including spray showers and drinking fountains, is available on the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation's Cool It! NYC website.

Read more on the city's summer heat plan that includes key resources to beat the heat, additional health and safety tips during extreme heat, warning signs of heat illness, how to work and prepare for outdoor activities during extreme heat, how to keep pets safe, and more. Follow NYCEM's 2025 "Beat the Heat" for tips on how to keep cool and safe during this heatwave.