NYCEM Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Extreme Heat & Thunderstorm This Week

June 10, 2026

#17-26

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT & THUNDERSTORMS THIS WEEK

More than 600 NYC Cooling Centers will be open Thursday and Friday

New Yorkers can find a place to cool off on the NYC Cool Options map

NEW YORK - The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) urges New Yorkers to take precautions during the hot weather expected on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect both Thursday and Friday from 12:00PM to 8:00PM. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s on Thursday and Friday, with heat indices up to 100°F degrees (37 Celsius) on Thursday, June 11 and heat indices above 90°F degrees on Friday, June 12. Thunderstorms are likely both Thursday and Friday evening.

There is a potential for isolated to scattered thunderstorms with localized heavy downpours mainly during the evening commute on Wednesday. There is a slight chance that some thunderstorms may be severe. Thunderstorms can also bring local winds gusts between 30-40 mph.

During periods of extreme heat, New Yorkers and visitors should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, stay hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

"As climate change makes extreme weather more frequent and more intense, New Yorkers need to prepare," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "Sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and plan now for where to go to cool off in heat, stay dry in rain and protect yourself from strong winds. As extreme heat and potential thunderstorms roll into our city this week, our administration is mobilizing to protect New Yorkers. Do your part by making a plan and helping your neighbors do the same."

"The City works year-round to prepare for heat emergencies and help New Yorkers stay safe when dangerous temperatures arrive," said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. "Make sure that you drink lots of water, use air conditioning or get to an air-conditioned space, and sign up for Notify NYC to stay safe and informed this summer."

"As New York City faces another early onset of extreme heat, it is critical that we prioritize the health and safety of all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable neighbors," said NYC Health Commissioner Alister F. Martin. "Hot weather can pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and those without access to cooling. I urge everyone to take precautions, stay hydrated, and check on loved ones and neighbors who may need assistance. Together, we can ensure that our city remains resilient and safe during these challenging weather conditions."

"We urge all New Yorkers to take steps to prepare for extreme heat. Take advantage of our free public beaches, drinking fountains and spray showers in our parks, and the cooling shade provided by our green spaces," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "When visiting our beaches, the safest choice you can make is to only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty and obey all riptide warnings."

"Extreme temperatures can become dangerous very quickly," said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. "The FDNY is prepared for this busy summer, and our EMTs, Paramedics, Firefighters, and Officers are ready to respond whenever New Yorkers need us. We urge everyone to take precautions to help prevent life threatening emergencies and save lives."

"With extreme heat forecasted for the city this week, New Yorkers of all ages-especially older adults-must take necessary precautions to stay safe," said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. "NYC Aging and our network of dedicated service providers are fully prepared to help older New Yorkers beat the heat by offering vital supports and resources, including hundreds of cooling centers across all five boroughs."

NYCEM continues to monitor the weather forecast and encourages New Yorkers to take the following steps to stay safe during extreme heat:

BEAT THE HEAT WITH NYC COOL OPTIONS

When it's very hot, air conditioning will help keep you safe. If you don't have air conditioning, find a cool place to visit nearby, like a friend's place, a mall, museum, coffee shop, library, or an NYC Cooling Center. More than 600 Cooling Centers will be open across the five boroughs Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12. Find your nearest cool option or Cooling Center by visiting NYC.gov/beattheheat, or by calling 311 (VRS: 212-639-9675 or TTY: 212-504-4115).

If you have air conditioning, use it. If a window unit is too expensive to run all day, set it to 78 and keep the air conditioner running during the hottest hours of the day.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format. Sign up by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

New Yorkers and visitors can also text the keyword SUMMER26, SUMMER26ESP or SUMMER26FRE to 692-692 (NYCNYC) to receive emergency alerts on weather and information related to this summer's events and programming in English, Spanish and French, respectively. Message and data rates may apply.

CHECK ON FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS

Help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. People with chronic health illnesses, mental health conditions, substance or alcohol abuse, and older adults are more likely to experience adverse effects from extreme heat. In addition, as people get older, their ability to maintain a safe body temperature declines - resulting in an increased risk for heat-related illnesses. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has hot dry skin, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Never leave children, adults or pets in cars. If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

CITY ACTIONS TO PREPARE FOR THE RISKS OF EXTREME HEAT, THUNDERSTORMS, AND HEAVY WIND AND RAIN

In addition to extreme heat on Thursday and Friday, the City is preparing for the risk of thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts. Strong wind gusts can bring down tree limbs and already weakened trees, and can affect power lines. Storms can also drop heavy rain in brief, intense bursts.

NYCEM is hosting coordination calls with local, state, federal and utility partners to prepare for impacts from the heat and the rain.

The City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and Heat Emergency Plan are activated ahead of the extreme temperatures and thunderstorm threats approaching the area over the next several days.

New York City agencies are clearing catch basins ahead of potential rainfall that may bring brief, localized street flooding.

During heat emergencies, the city issues a Code Red Alert and intensifies outreach to New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness. During Code Red activations, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) intensifies outreach operations across the five boroughs, encouraging individuals to access shelter and other cool, safe indoor spaces. Outreach teams also distribute water and other essential supplies while prioritizing the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers. Anyone who sees a person experiencing homelessness who may need assistance is encouraged to call 311 or use the 311 Mobile App to request outreach services.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
• Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and do not fall on someone below.
• Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle alone, even for a few minutes.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours: 11:00AM to 4:00PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00AM and 7:00AM.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when outside.
• Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• For outdoor workers, take frequent breaks in the shade or somewhere cool.
• Pace heavy work for the early morning when you can.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
• When it's not scorching out but it's still hot, you can also cool off at parks, areas with shade, sprinklers, or pools.
• In addition to cooling centers, the City offers outdoor cooling resources, including spray showers and drinking fountains, through Cool It! NYC.

SWIMMING IN THE CITY

• Public beaches are open daily with lifeguards on duty between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Swimming in restricted areas or when a lifeguard is not on duty, where you see red flags, is strictly prohibited and very dangerous.
• Outdoor pools open for the season on June 27 and are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• When at the beach, pool, or park this summer, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool. If you are in the water or on the beach and there is thunder or lightning, follow directions of lifeguards and beach staff and seek shelter in a building or vehicle.
• Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers.
• All beachgoers should only swim in areas monitored by lifeguards, closely heed the instructions of lifeguards and pay attention to any flags and posted signs.
• If you become caught in a rip current, don't panic. Try to remain calm and begin to swim parallel to shore. Once away from the force of the rip current, you can swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current - even a strong swimmer can become exhausted quickly.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

STAY COOL SAFELY WITH SPRAY CAPS

During periods of extreme heat, New Yorkers can cool off safely by using a spray cap on a fire hydrant. Adults ages 18 and older can obtain a free spray cap from their local firehouse with valid identification. Spray caps reduce hydrant flow to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat.

Unauthorized hydrant openings can waste up to 1,000 gallons of water per minute, flood streets, and reduce water pressure needed by FDNY to respond to emergencies. Residents are encouraged to use spray caps to help keep neighborhoods safe while staying cool.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While lowering your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or "low."
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
• If you or someone you know relies on electrically powered medical or life-support equipment, notify your utility provider so they can provide important outage-related communications and assistance information. Con Edison asks customers to enroll in their Life-Support Equipment (LSE) program and PSEG
• Long Island customers can learn more through PSEG Long Island's Life Support Equipment Program.

PREPARING FOR RAIN

• Do not enter flooded basements, and leave your basement before it starts to flood.
• Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers.
• Subscribe to Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app in your phone's app store, or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected.
• If it's safe to do so, check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.
• If you are driving and come to a flooded street, turn around.
• Do not walk or drive into standing water. You never know how deep it is or what is under it.
• To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand.

For more information and summer safety tips, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat.

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