Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYC to open 45 schools as cooling centers to replace closed libraries
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 21, 2024
Modified Jun 21, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 21, 2024
Modified Jun 21, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
New York City will open 45 public schools on Sunday to serve as cooling centers due to the ongoing heatwave that is expected to bring temperatures into the mid-90s.
Around 500 cooling centers were activated on Tuesday and expected to be available until Friday, when the heatwave was expected to break. The latest announcement comes after revised forecasts: A heat advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday.
“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a press release.
Cooling centers are indoor air-conditioned spaces that include libraries and senior centers.
Adams came under criticism earlier this week when libraries — which make up around a third of cooling centers — were closed due to the federal holiday of Juneteenth. Most library branches are also closed on Sunday due to budget cuts.
The city has not released a list of the schools that will open but expects to have one by Saturday, officials said. Currently open cooling centers can be found here or by calling 311.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
cooling centers
heat dome
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 1:16 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 17, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .