New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has activated the city’s “Heat and Flash Flood Emergency Plan” as forecasters warn of extreme heat, severe thunderstorms and possible flash flooding. The New York City Emergency Management Department has also stepped up preparations across the city.
More than 100 cooling centers will be opened, the city’s “Code Red” operation will be expanded, and 21 specialized “cooling vans” will be deployed to help protect residents from the extreme weather.
According to the weather forecast, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday. The heat index could reach as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit during this period. Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain are also expected from Wednesday, with conditions potentially becoming more severe on Thursday. Weather officials have warned that the risk of flash flooding and significant water accumulation will be highest Friday afternoon and evening.
To help residents cope with the heat, more than 100 cooling centers will operate across New York City’s five boroughs on Thursday and Friday. Residents will be able to stay safely in air-conditioned environments at these locations. Information about cooling centers that are accessible to people with disabilities or allow pets can be obtained by calling 311 or checking online. LinkNYC kiosks will also provide information about nearby cooling centers and directions.
Around 50 outdoor swimming pools across New York City will remain open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide relief from the heat. Some Olympic-size and intermediate-size pools will also remain open until 8 p.m. on designated days.
All public beaches will remain open daily, with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. City officials urged residents not to swim in areas without lifeguards or outside designated swimming zones.
Mayor Mamdani said the city was preparing for a combination of extreme heat and severe storms.
“Extreme heat and powerful storms are heading toward New York,” Mamdani said. “The most important thing right now is to prepare and look out for one another. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, make a plan to go to a cooling center. If you live in a basement apartment or have experienced flooding before, make arrangements for a safe place to go ahead of time. And check on older and vulnerable neighbors.”
He said city agencies had already completed preparations, including cleaning catch basins, putting emergency rescue teams on standby and deploying specialized vans to assist older residents.
The administration has also issued several health and safety recommendations. Residents are being urged to drink plenty of water, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and stay in air-conditioned locations whenever possible. People are also encouraged to pay particular attention to older adults, people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness should seek medical assistance immediately by calling 911.
During periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors. They should also stay away from downed power lines and fallen trees. People living in basement apartments, in particular, are being urged to make plans in advance to move to a safer location if flooding becomes a threat.
Non-emergency issues, such as fallen trees blocking roads or clogged catch basins, can be reported by calling 311.
To protect people experiencing homelessness, the city will operate its “Code Red” response from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. During that period, street outreach teams will connect people experiencing homelessness with shelters, cooling centers and necessary health services.
The city will also deploy 21 “cooling vans” across New York. The vans will provide health checks, basic medical assistance, electrolyte drinks, sunscreen, food, transportation to cooling centers and wellness checks for older residents at home.
Christina Farrell, commissioner of New York City Emergency Management, said the city was closely monitoring conditions as extreme heat and heavy rainfall are expected over the coming days. She encouraged residents to register for Notify NYC to receive the latest emergency alerts and updates.
City officials said personal awareness, looking out for neighbors and following official guidance are the most effective ways to protect lives and property during extreme weather. New York City, they said, is taking extensive precautions and remains prepared to respond to the evolving conditions.
