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Extreme heat blankets NYC area through Wednesday as city opens cooling centers
By
Catalina Gonella
Published May 19, 2026
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By
Catalina Gonella
Published May 19, 2026
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New York City officials have activated the city’s heat emergency plan for an expected two-day blast of extreme heat starting Tuesday.
That includes opening cooling centers, expanding outreach to people at risk of heat-related illness and monitoring health effects in real time. The city’s Department of Homeless Services has also declared a code red for the heat emergency through Wednesday and is asking New Yorkers to call 311 if they see someone who needs assistance.
The city’s emergency management commissioner, Christina Farrell, said residents might not be expecting the hot conditions because they’re happening earlier in the year than usual.
“Even though this period of heat is expected to be brief, we encourage everyone to stay hydrated, check on their neighbors and subscribe to Notify NYC,” she said in a statement, referring to the city’s emergency notification system.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with real-feel temperatures forecast to reach the mid-to-upper 90s.
State officials have also activated an air quality health alert for the area until 11 p.m. Tuesday for elevated ground-ozone levels. Officials said sensitive groups, like people with respiratory issues, could experience symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and should avoid strenuous activity outdoors.
Forecasters said severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and hail are possible in the area Wednesday afternoon into the early evening. Showers are expected to break the heat, as temperatures will drop into the low 70s and mid-60s on Thursday and Friday.
City officials said the hottest conditions are anticipated on Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. in some areas of the Bronx, Northern Manhattan and Staten Island.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to take the heat seriously.
“Just as New Yorkers look out for one another through the coldest days of winter, we must do the same through the hottest days of the year,” he said in a statement. “City workers will be out across all five boroughs welcoming neighbors to cooling centers and helping our neighbors stay safe in extreme heat.”
Extreme heat kills more than 500 New Yorkers on average each year, according to the city. Vulnerable groups include older adults, homeless residents, those with heart disease or asthma, and people without air conditioning. Signs of heat illness include hot and dry skin, loss of consciousness, and nausea or vomiting.
Officials said air conditioning is the most effective way to stay safe during extreme heat. To find a cooling option near you, visit the city’s map of them here.
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Catalina Gonella
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