NYC Expands Heat Emergency Measures Ahead of Record-Breaking Holiday Weekend Heat Wave

Published: July 1, 2026

Heat Emergency New York — JUNE 29: People cool off at Coney Island beach on June 29, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. A heat wave is forecast for much of the East Coast this week, with temperatures in the city expected to reach near 100 degrees, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to activate a heat emergency plan that includes hundreds of cooling centers and intensified outreach and support for the vulnerable. (Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

New York — As a dangerous heat wave grips the city with heat indices potentially reaching 112 degrees, Mayor Mamdani on Tuesday, June 30 announced additional emergency measures to protect New Yorkers through the July 4 holiday weekend. Building on Monday’s activation of the city’s first-ever comprehensive Heat Emergency Plan, the new actions include extended pool hours, more cooling centers, and intensified outreach to vulnerable residents.

Key expansions

Outdoor pools — Olympic- and intermediate-sized pools will remain open until 8:30 p.m. during the heat emergency.
Cooling centers — Eight additional City buildings and 10 more public library branches will open as cooling centers from noon to midnight July 3–5.
Street outreach — The city is adding 150 volunteers, bringing the total outreach workforce to more than 600 people focused on connecting homeless and at-risk New Yorkers to shelter and cooling resources.
Energy conservation — Businesses are asked to set thermostats to 78 degrees, with residents encouraged to reduce energy use during peak hours.

A heat wave is forecast for much of the East Coast this week, with temperatures in the city expected to reach near 100 degrees, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to activate a heat emergency plan that includes hundreds of cooling centers and intensified outreach and support for the vulnerable. (Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Ongoing initiatives

The measures expand on Monday’s rollout of 21 COOL vans — mobile units providing wellness checks, medical care, hydration, meals, and transport to cooling centers, including in-home visits for older adults. Pop-up cooling stations for outdoor workers and real-time directions to cooling centers via LinkNYC kiosks are also active.

Mayor Mamdani released a new public service announcement urging residents to make a heat plan, check on neighbors (especially seniors), stay hydrated, and call 311 for assistance.“Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable — it can be deadly,” Mamdani said. “The best protection is air conditioning. If you don’t have it, know where you’ll go to stay cool.”

Cooling centers, beaches, and spray showers are available across all five boroughs. Real-time locations and resources are available at nyc.gov/beattheheat or by calling 311. The city continues to coordinate with agencies including NYC Health + Hospitals, Emergency Management, Parks, and others to monitor health impacts and support residents during the sustained extreme heat.

For complete details, refer to the official press release from the Mayor’s Office.