NYC Declares State of Emergency Amid Multi-Day Heat Wave, Opens 500 Cooling Centers as Temperatures Exceed 100 Degrees

New York City is experiencing an extreme heat wave with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit over several days, starting Sunday and continuing through at least Wednesday. In response, city officials have declared a state of emergency and opened approximately 500 cooling centers across all five boroughs to provide relief for residents, especially those without air conditioning. Authorities emphasize the dangers of extreme heat, noting that heat is the deadliest weather condition in NYC, with over 500 heat-related deaths recorded last year. Public health messages urge residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, use air conditioning when possible, and check on vulnerable populations such as older adults and people with health conditions. Similar heat advisories and warnings have been issued in other regions, including the District of Columbia and Massachusetts, where cooling centers are also operational. The National Weather Service and local officials continue to provide safety tips and resources to help residents cope with the prolonged period of high temperatures and humidity.