Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today activated the City's Heat and Flash Flood Emergency Plans ahead of dangerous heat and isolated severe thunderstorms expected later this week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) 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. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms with localized heavy downpours are possible beginning Wednesday, with storm chances increasing Thursday. Friday afternoon into evening carries the greatest risk of heavy rainfall.
New Yorkers are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Residents should check on vulnerable neighbors - especially older adults, people with disabilities and people with chronic health conditions - and know the warning signs of heat illness. Anyone experiencing hot, dry skin, difficult breathing, a rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea or vomiting should call 911 immediately.
During heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, New Yorkers should stay indoors whenever possible, use caution while traveling and avoid 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.
"High heat and severe storms are rolling into New York City, and the best thing we can do right now is prepare and look out for one another," said Mayor Mamdani. "If you don't have air-conditioning, make a plan to spend time at a cooling center. If you live in basement apartment or a neighborhood that has flooded before, know where you'll go if water begins to rise. And if you have a neighbor who may need extra support, check in on them. 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. Protecting New Yorkers means showing up before the storm, not just after it."
"Over the next several days, we'll see extreme heat and the possibility of heavy rainfall. At NYC Emergency Management, we've activated our team to support heat and storm response actions across the city, closely track the weather forecast, and keep New Yorkers informed," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "The City is preparing, and we want New Yorkers to take simple steps to prepare, too. Stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak heat, check in on older adults or anyone who may need a hand, and sign up for Notify NYC."
Cooling Centers and Cool Options
The Mamdani administration will open hundreds of Cooling Centers across the five boroughs on Thursday and Friday. New Yorkers can find locations, including accessible and pet-friendly sites, at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/ or by calling 311. Service animals are always welcome.
Thousands of LinkNYC kiosks will provide real-time walking directions to the nearest cooling center within a 10-minute walk.
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/beready for more health and safety guidance.
