Extreme Heat Advisory
Extreme Heat Advisory
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The City of New York has issued an Extreme Heat Advisory for New York City. This advisory is typically issued when the Heat Index (air temperature and relative humidity combined) exceeds 95° F.
Extreme heat is the deadliest type of extreme weather. It can cause hyperthermia and worsen existing medical conditions and mental health problems.
Those who don't have access to air conditioners experience heat stress and can be overcome by heat. Fans do not provide sufficient cooling during extreme heat. Air conditioning (AC) is the most effective protection.
helpNYC has created a list of resources for New Yorkers to find ways to survive an Extreme Heat Event.
The information on this page is provided by:
City of New York, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
City of New York, Office of Emergency Management
City of New York, Department of Homeless Services
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Unit
Summer in NYC
Summer in NYC
helpNYC also provides listings of Summer related information, resources, and things to do! Click here to visit our Summer in NYC section.
About Heat-Related Illness
About Heat-Related Illness
What is Heat-related Illness?
What is Heat-related Illness?
Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Who is Most at Risk?
Who is Most at Risk?
Older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness. Use this website to learn more about how to stay safe in the heat this summer, including how to prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related illnesses.
Heat-Related Illness Warning Signs and Symptoms
Heat-Related Illness Warning Signs and Symptoms
Click here to read about what the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness are and what to do.
Stay Cool in the Heat
Stay Cool in the Heat
During periods of extreme heat, when the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers. Cooling centers are air-conditioned spaces, such as older adult centers, community centers, public libraries, and other public facilities that typically operate during daytime hours and are free and open to the public.
Cool It! NYC is a Citywide plan to increase the amount of cooling features available to the public during heat emergencies, particularly in neighborhoods that face the dangers of high heat.
On extremely hot days, the National Weather Service may issue a heat emergency advisory. During these heat emergency days, the City offers additional resources for residents.
Want to know more? The New York City Department of Emergency Management's Beat the Heat website is your destination for everything you need to know about extreme heat in New York City.
Visit nyc.gov/beattheheat for more information.
Focus Populations
Focus Populations
Unhoused New Yorkers
Unhoused New Yorkers
The Department of Homeless Services issues a Code Red Response when the heat index exceeds 95° F for two or more consecutive days.
Typically the DHS Code Red response starts at 12:00p (noon) and ends at 8:00p on each day of the response.
Those who are experiencing homelessness can during a Code Red response can:
Work with Outreach Teams to engage with services including transportation to shelters.
Access the designated cooling areas at any DHS-operated or contracted shelter.
Visit any drop-in center in all five boroughs.
Walk-in to any DHS-operated or contracted shelter for intake and services.
Those seeking a cool place cal walk into any hospital emergency department.
During a Code Red Response:
Regardless of current or past shelter status, anyone seeking shelter can present at a DHS-operated or contracted shelter and receive services.
No shelter suspensions or sanctions will be carried out. Those who have been sanctioned can return to a shelter while Code Red is in effect.
Request an Outreach Team
To request an Outreach Team for yourself or someone that you think is experiencing homelessness please use the NYC311 App to request assistance. (You may also request assistance by calling 3-1-1.)
The NYC311 App is available for Android and Apple iOS operating systems.
Please visit our Homeless Outreach section for more information.
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