Mayor Adams says NYC is ‘ready’ for first heat wave of the season — as heat index expected to hit 99 degrees
Mayor Eric Adams said Monday that the Big Apple is ready for its first heat wave of the year — but reminded city dwellers to prepare for a string of steamy days that could push the heat index up to nearly 100 degrees.
“A heat wave can be more than just uncomfortable,” Adams said at a morning press conference. “It can be deadly and life-threatening if you are not prepared. But New York City has a plan to beat the heat, and we want all New Yorkers to have a plan, too.”
Hizzoner urged New Yorkers to work slowly and taking frequent breaks if outdoors, wearing a hat, finding shade and doing “whatever is possible to keep your body temperature down.”
Residents should also track down their local cooling centers — either online or by calling 311 — and check on their neighbors during the worst of the wave, which is expected to reach its high-water mark of about 95 degrees on Thursday and Friday.
“There are some real safety issues that we should be prepared for,” the mayor said. “It is crucial that you plan ahead and make sure everyone is safe, including your pets.”
The high temps are the product of what’s known as a “heat dome” — or a hot air mass that develops when a high-pressure system traps the warm air below, then blocks it from rising into the atmosphere.
But it’ll feel hotter than it is, with peak heat index values in northern New Jersey, southern Connecticut and New York City expected to hit about 100 degrees, forecasters said Monday.
It also won’t be particularly breezy — which will trap air pollution and likely lead to air quality alerts later in the week, according to FOX Weather meteorologist Marissa Lautenbacher.
“It’s mainly going to be dead air and calm winds,” Lautenbacher told The Post. “This high-pressure [system] really isn’t going anywhere this week, and it’s going to trap all the pollutants near the surface.”
That means sensitive people — such as asthmatics — should be particularly careful.
Lautenbacher added that this heat is somewhat unseasonable, since June temperatures usually float around 80 degrees.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a June heat wave,” Lautenbacher said, noting that there will be few clouds to shield people from the sun.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the city’s health commissioner, urged residents to get themselves into air conditioning that drops temps to at least 78 degrees — fans aren’t enough, he said.
“A cool bath or shower can help, but it’s not a replacement for air-conditioning,” Vassan said. “Stay ahead of hydration, don’t wait until you’re thirsty.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul reiterated the warnings Monday and said she’d activated about 50 members of the National Guard to help where needed.
“Keep an eye on your local forecast, stay hydrated and postpone outdoor activity as much as possible,” she said in a statement.
She added that the state’s Department of Public Service is watching the electrical grid for problems that may arise, and has been in touch with utility leaders to make sure they’re ready.
Zach Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, said the pavement-melting warmth brings with it potentially deadly consequences.
“These numbers are dangerously high,” Iscol said at the Monday presser. “The cumulative effect of prolonged heat can be especially dangerous as the body’s ability to regulate temperature becomes increasingly strained.”
“In fact, extreme heat is the most dangerous weather phenomenon we have in New York City,” he continued, adding that about 350 New Yorkers die each year as a result of the summer’s torrid weather.
“Because of this, the administration’s number one priority mission and protecting public safety and making our city livable for all.”
