City Officials Urge New Yorkers to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

July 27, 2025

Cooling Centers Will be Open Across Five Boroughs

Call 311 or Visit City's Cool Options Finder to Find Nearest Cooling Center Location, Hours

New Yorkers Encouraged to Seek Air-Conditioned Cool Options, Including Public Spaces Like NYC Cooling Centers, or Private Cool Options Such as Homes of Friends or Family

NEW YORK — New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) are urging New Yorkers to take precautions ahead of hot and humid weather. From Monday through Wednesday, heat index values are forecast to reach the upper 90s to around 105°F, with Tuesday likely to be the hottest day.

In response, NYCEM has activated the city’s Heat Emergency Plan and is coordinating with City agencies and partners to protect health and safety. This includes providing access to cooling centers, conducting outreach to at-risk individuals, alerting operational response teams, coordinating public messaging to prevent heat-related health impacts, and working with utility providers to encourage energy conservation and maintain grid reliability.

NYC Cooling Centers will be open across the five boroughs to provide safe, air-conditioned spaces for anyone needing relief from the heat. Most centers are accessible, some accept pets, and all welcome individuals accompanied by service animals.

In addition to the heat, thunderstorms are expected on Sunday and could bring heavy downpours, with localized rainfall totals between 2 and 3 inches and brief rainfall rates up to 2 inches an hour. NYCEM has activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with city agencies to ensure readiness and respond as needed.

“New Yorkers know how to handle the heat — and so does your city government,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “With another stretch of dangerously high temperatures ahead, we’re activating every resource to keep people safe, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. Cooling centers will be open, first responders will be on alert, and our teams will be out across the five boroughs. But staying safe takes all of us — so take this seriously, stay cool, and look out for one another.”

“Our fifth heat emergency of the season is underway, and New Yorkers need to be prepared and look out for one another,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “From Monday through Wednesday, heat and humidity will build, with heat index values reaching up to 105 degrees. Prolonged heat like this is dangerous, especially for older adults, people with health conditions, and those without air conditioning. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and find a Cool Option, whether it’s a City cooling center like a library or a private space such as a friend’s or relative’s home. To help avoid power outages, we’re also asking New Yorkers to conserve energy by setting air conditioners to the highest comfortable temperature, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and avoiding the use of major appliances during peak hours. And check on neighbors who may need extra help.”

“As the summer heats up, New Yorkers face a silent risk — extreme heat,” said DOHMH Chief Operating Officer Emiko Otsubo. "Each year, over 500 lives are lost to extreme heat. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, we encourage you to take advantage of a Cooling Center, a library, or a shopping mall to stay safe. If you plan to be outside, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and take as many breaks as you need. And please check in on your neighbors and loved ones, especially if they’re older. A quick call or visit could save a life.”

New Yorkers are urged 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 NYCEM’s Beat The Heat website. 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.

NYCEM has activated the city’s Heat Emergency Plan in response to this extreme heat event. The plan brings together agencies across the city to protect New Yorkers from heat-related risks. Key actions include opening New York City Cooling Centers, enhanced outreach to people experiencing homelessness, increasing public information efforts, and monitoring health impacts in real time. Agencies are also identifying and assisting residents at highest risk, including older adults and people with chronic health conditions, through coordinated outreach and targeted alerts using the city’s Advanced Warning System. The plan also strengthens coordination with utilities, healthcare providers, and community organizations to reduce risks and protect public health during extreme heat.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City Cooling Centers will be open throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities, 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. The 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.

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. New York City outdoor pools are open. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park pool and Roberto Clemente State Park pool are open, call ahead to confirm.

During extreme weather emergencies, New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) outreach teams intensify around-the-clock efforts across the five boroughs, implementing best practices and health guidance as they engage New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness while encouraging them to access shelter and cooler settings. As part of these enhanced outreach efforts, DHS and provider outreach teams also offer water and other essentials while prioritizing the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers who are known to them. New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance.

Additional Health and Safety Tips During Extreme Heat

Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.

• Check on people at higher risk of heat-related illness, including adults 60 and older, and those with heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairments. Help them find a cool place to stay. 
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even for a few minutes. 
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even for a few hours. 
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes. 
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). If necessary, limit it to early morning hours (typically 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM). 
• If working outdoors or engaging in physical activity, drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty. Consider drinks with electrolytes to help replace salt and minerals lost through sweat. Rest in the shade, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and look out for others. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Eat small, frequent meals. 
• Participate in cooling activities, such as visiting museums, going to the movies, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a beach or outdoor pool. 
• Make sure window screens fit tightly and install window guards in homes with children. In buildings over six stories, air conditioners must be properly bracketed to prevent them from falling. 

Working Safely in Extreme Heat

If working in hot environments, whether indoors or outdoors, during extreme heat:

• Employers must provide water, rest, and shade.  
• Use the buddy system to watch for signs of heat illness in yourself and coworkers.  
• Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if not thirsty, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas.  
• Reschedule or limit strenuous work during peak heat hours (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM).  
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool.  
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and reapply as needed.  

Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness

New Yorkers should call 911 immediately if they or someone they know has:

• Hot dry skin.  
• Trouble breathing.  
• Rapid heartbeat.  
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.  
• Nausea and vomiting.  

If someone feels weak or faint, they should go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

Keeping Pets Safe

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.  
• Walk dogs in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let dogs linger on hot asphalt. A pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.  
• Know when a pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.  

Improper Fire Hydrant Use

Improperly opened fire hydrants waste over 1,000 gallons of water per minute and lower pressure needed to fight fires. New Yorkers who want to cool off in fire hydrants are asked to use a city-issued spray cap to reduce output to 25 gallons per minute. Residents 18 and older can request a spray cap at their local firehouse.

Energy-Saving Tips 

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing power usage may seem inconvenient, cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to New Yorkers, particularly to those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

• Set air conditioner to 78°F or the highest healthy comfortable temperature.  
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in the home.  
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.  
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.  
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on an air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.  
• If running a business, keep door closed while the air conditioner is running.  
• Tell utility providers if someone in the home depends on medical equipment that requires electricity. 
• The Con Edison Energy Affordability Program provides monthly electric bill discounts for income-eligible customers who receive benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Some customers are enrolled automatically, while others can apply at com/EAP. 

Air Quality

New York City continues to monitor regional air quality and Canadian wildfire conditions that could affect the city. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health issue Air Quality Health Advisories when conditions may pose health risks. During poor air quality, limit outdoor activities, wear a mask if needed, and check AirNow.gov for current air quality readings. Visit the city's air quality page for guidance and recommendations.

For more information, visit NYCEM’s Beat the Heat page. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the city's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in preferred language and format by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692, visiting the Notify NYC page, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on X, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for Apple or Android devices.

MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications), @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)