New York City is currently trapped under a dangerous 110-degree “heat dome,” with Mayor Zohran Mamdani activating a Code Red Heat Emergency today, Wednesday, July 1. And as of 11 am, the city is experiencing RealFeel temperatures hotter than those in Death Valley, California.
The Numbers are Sweltering
While the air temperature in New York City is currently recorded at a hot and humid 84°F, the situation on the street is much more severe. As the heat dome traps hot air near the ground like a lid on a pot, RealFeel temperatures have been catapulted to a sweltering 98ºF–and it’s only going to get worse.
To put the severity of this high pressure system into perspective, we compared NYC’s current conditions to Death Valley, California:
- NYC RealFeel: 98°F
- Death Valley RealFeel: 92°F
It’s almost impossible to believe New York City is feeling hotter than Death Valley, but that’s exactly what today’s conditions suggest.
While the actual air temperature is currently 84°F in NYC compared to 90°F in Death Valley, oppressive humidity has pushed New York City’s RealFeel to a staggering 98°F—6 degrees hotter than Death Valley’s 92°F.
Under normal circumstances, the comparison would seem ridiculous—Death Valley averages a blistering 116°F in July, while New York City’s average high is 84°F—but today’s heat dome is making the city feel like one of the hottest places on Earth.
A Critical Safety Warning
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through 9 pm on Friday, July 3, followed by an Extreme Heat Watch through 9 pm on Saturday, July 4.
This isn’t just another hot summer day—dangerously high heat and humidity, combined with poor air quality, increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and make spending prolonged time outdoors potentially hazardous.
How to Stay Safe During the Heat Emergency
City officials are urging New Yorkers to take immediate precautions as dangerously high temperatures and humidity continue across the five boroughs.
- Find a Cooling Center: Hundreds of free cooling centers are now open citywide, including libraries, community centers, Health + Hospitals facilities, and other public buildings. Call 311 or use the city’s Cool Options Map to find the nearest location
- Stay Hydrated & Keep Cool: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day
- Take Advantage of Cooling Options: Spend time at one of the city’s beaches and public pools, cool off at a spray shower, or find a drinking fountain near you to help beat the heat
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and anyone without air conditioning are especially vulnerable during extreme heat. Check in on neighbors, friends, and relatives to make sure they’re staying cool and hydrated
- Know the Warning Signs: If you or someone else experiences confusion, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or hot, dry skin, call 911 immediately—these may be signs of heat stroke
For the latest updates on New York City’s Code Red Heat Emergency, including cooling center locations and additional heat safety resources, officials encourage New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and visiting nyc.gov/beattheheat.
Stay safe, New York 💙
