July 02, 2025

NEW YORK CITY DEPLOYED CITYWIDE RESPONSE TO SUMMER’S FIRST HEAT WAVE

New York City Activated Heat Emergency Plan for the First Time in 2025

Heat Wave Broke Temperature Records and Drove Surge in Emergency Rooms 

NEW YORK – New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol today praised New York City’s emergency response to last week’s extreme heat, calling it a clear demonstration of the city’s ability to act quickly, operate in coordination, and keep critical services running under pressure. The four-day event, from Sunday, June 22 through Wednesday, June 25, brought sustained high temperatures and increased health risks across the five boroughs. On Tuesday, Central Park reached 99 degrees, breaking a record of 96 degrees that had stood since 1888. During the same period, emergency departments reported 341 heat-related visits. Of those, 141 were reported on Wednesday, June 25 alone. This was the highest single-day total since data from 2017. The heat coincided with primary day, as city agencies simultaneously responded to dangerous heat and supported the operations that kept more than 1,200 polling sites safe, operational, and accessible.

“The recent heat wave posed a serious threat, and New York City rose to the challenge,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “City agencies and partners responded swiftly and in close coordination – opening Cooling Centers, working with utility providers, and supporting election operations. Outreach teams checked in our most vulnerable residents, and public health officials monitored heat-related illnesses in real time. Despite record-breaking temperatures and emergency room visits, our agencies ensured polling sites remained safe and accessible. This is what an effective, coordinated response looks like – and it’s the standard we will continue to uphold whenever extreme heat threatens our city.”

“Extreme heat is one of the deadliest hazards we face, and it demands a fast, disciplined response,” said NYCEM Commissioner Iscol. “This was a complex operation. We coordinated across agencies, utility partners, and public health systems while also supporting early voting and primary day logistics. From managing grid strain to protecting at-risk New Yorkers to delivering clear, real-time guidance, every part of this response required precision. As the city faces longer, hotter, and more dangerous summers, this is the level of coordination and readiness we need to keep building.”

“Heat puts lives at risk every summer, especially for New Yorkers without access to air conditioning,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “The Health Department monitored heat-related illness citywide, issued public health guidance, and coordinated closely with NYCEM throughout this event. As extreme heat becomes more frequent, we will continue using data to anticipate impacts of extreme heat and help New Yorkers stay safe. During a heat emergency, it’s critical to stay hydrated, avoid afternoon hours outdoors, check on those who may be vulnerable, and make a plan to access air conditioning, whether at home or at a Cooling Center or other Cool Options nearby such as a library or shopping mall.”

The city’s Heat Emergency Plan was activated on Sunday in anticipation of sustained high temperatures. Cooling Centers opened across all five boroughs, with NYCEM tracking operations and availability in real time. During extreme weather emergencies, Department of Homeless Services outreach teams intensify 24 hours a day 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 offered water and other essentials while prioritizing the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers who are known to them.

The city’s Emergency Situation Room remained activated and operational throughout the event, integrating real-time updates from agencies, utilities, and field teams. NYCEM’s Watch Command and Planning units supported situational awareness and coordinated interagency briefings to inform decisions across government. Public Information and Public Warning staff issued multilingual, risk-based messaging through Notify NYC, 311, social media, and press channels. Public guidance was updated continuously to reflect overnight heat risks, power system strain, and signs of heat-related illness.

On Tuesday, NYCEM coordinated the city’s response to extreme heat while also supporting citywide operations related to primary day. This effort involved close coordination with the Office of the Mayor of New York City, various deputy mayors, and agencies across local, state, and federal government, alongside key private-sector partners. Participating entities included the New York City Board of Elections, New York City Department of Education, New York City Department of Social Services, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Health + Hospitals, Greater New York Hospital Association, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Fire Department of the City of New York, New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Sanitation, New York City Department of Buildings, Department for the Aging, Department of Citywide Administrative Services, NYC311, New York City Housing Authority, Con Edison, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Throughout the heat event, NYCEM maintained active coordination with Con Edison and the Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) to monitor grid performance, manage voltage reductions, and respond to any electrical outages. During Early Voting and Primary Day, NYCEM worked with the New York City Board of Elections, New York City Public Schools, and Department for the Aging to support poll sites and ensure they remained safe, accessible, and functional. Backup cooling equipment was pre-positioned at voting locations, and contingency planning remained in effect to address any disruptions to power or infrastructure.

The city urges all New Yorkers to take simple, proven steps to stay safe during hot weather. You do not need to wait for an official heat emergency to act. These precautions can help protect you and those around you any time temperatures rise:

Stay informed. Sign up for free emergency alerts from Notify NYC by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692, visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, or calling 311.

Plan ahead. You can find Cooling Centers and other Cool Options near you by visiting NYC.gov/BeatTheHeat or calling 311. Cool Options include public places like libraries, community centers, and older adult centers, as well as private spaces that are open to the public such as stores, malls, museums, or cafes with air conditioning.

Use air conditioning efficiently. Set your AC to the highest temperature that is still comfortable. Avoid using high-energy appliances during peak evening hours to help reduce strain on the power grid.

Check on others. Stay in contact with older adults, neighbors, people with disabilities, and anyone who may not have air conditioning. 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.

Drink water regularly. Hydrate throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Avoid peak heat. Limit outdoor activity during the afternoon, when temperatures are highest. If you need to be outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned spaces.

Never leave anyone in a parked car. This includes children, older adults, or pets.

For more information on how to stay safe during hot weather, visit NYC.gov/BeatTheHeat.

MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press press@oem.nyc.gov (718) 422-4888