It was this week last year that an eerie orange haze from Canadian wildfire smoke enveloped NYC (and there were some crazy photos to document it). And with those hazy skies likely to become the new norm and one of the hottest summers of our lifetime gearing up to hit us in the face, Mayor Eric Adams is rolling out new plans to be prepared for NYC’s wild weather.
During a press conference at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday, May 30th, Mayor Adams discussed plans to help keep New Yorkers safe from and informed about important weather alerts this summer.
Adams stated:
We all may love a nice, hot summer day, but it comes with some real warning signs that we need to be prepared, and our summers are different now. Global warming is real, and we want to make sure that climate change and the heat that it brings with intensity, that people are aware of how to deal with it during a heatwave. That’s why New York City is getting ready in advance, and we want all New Yorkers to be ready, too.
NYC has created an online “Beat the Heat” guide with precautions New Yorkers should take during forecasted heat waves–especially those who are at greatest risk during periods of extreme heat such as people 65 years and older and those with chronic medical conditions.
In addition to the online guide, Mayor Adams announced that this year the city has expanded its number of cooling centers, air-conditioned locations where the public can find some respite from high temperatures and humidity.
A “Cool Options Map” showing the cooling center options available will soon be available online 24 hours, seven days a week. This map also shows where all of the water sprayers are throughout NYC, another great way to cool off, and keep in mind it’s totally legal to jump into NYC’s fountains when it’s hot out!
In addition to expanding the number of the city’s cooling centers, NYC also expanded its national cooling system and tree canopy. The parks department has planted over 15,000 new trees in 2024 and are on pace to plant more than 18,000 trees this year, the highest total in eight years.
NYC seniors are also being given free indoor thermostats and city officials are working with partners like City Meals on Wheels, Staten Island, God’s Love We Deliver, and the Food Bank for New York City to distribute heat safety information and deliver food to the homes of the city’s vulnerable population.
Plus, eligible NYers can get up to $800 towards a new air conditioner.
Additionally, thousands of cool kits will be given out to delivery drivers and outdoor laborers working under the summer sun. The cool kits contain items such as a cooling towel, cold pack, water packets, electrolyte mix, and sunscreen.
As for the Canadian wildfire smoke, Adams stated that NYC’s air quality emergency guidelines have been updated. In the event of serious air quality concerns school operation and outdoor events will be modified, and new technology and internal protocols have improved the city’s response to air quality incidents.
And with the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season expected to be worse than usual due to record-warm ocean temperatures, and flash flooding a concern for NYC, the city is preparing to ensure notifications and alerts are sent out in a timely fashion.
NYC’s “Know Your Zone” campaign encourages New Yorkers to know their zone and be prepared to evacuate during a hurricane if needed. You can find out if you live in one of the six evacuation zones by visiting this website or calling 311.
Commissioner Zach Iscol, New York City Emergency Management, stated:
High heat is a silent killer, posing a disproportionate threat to our most vulnerable residents, especially those age 60 and older, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairments…Our city has a long history of proactive measures to address the dangers of high heat. This year, we’re taking that commitment even further.
As always New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NotifyNYC, the city’s free emergency notification system. You can also visit AirNow.gov for up-to-date information on air quality in your area.