New York City Endures 110-115 Heat Index as Emergency Visits Hit 98
Updated
Updated · Gothamist · Jul 3
New York City Endures 110-115 Heat Index as Emergency Visits Hit 98
3 articles · Updated · Gothamist · Jul 3
Summary
Heat index readings of 110 to 115 degrees were forecast for New York City on Friday, a potentially deadly level for people without adequate cooling or hydration.
Ninety-eight heat-related emergency visits were recorded on July 2, and the city says extreme heat kills about 500 New Yorkers a year; 19 people died in a record June heat wave last year.
Cooling centers were expanded and city pool hours extended as residents sought relief, while state officials also prolonged an ozone air-quality advisory that can worsen asthma and other respiratory symptoms.
Transit and power systems showed strain: NJ Transit urged riders to avoid nonessential travel and warned of delays, Metro-North imposed speed restrictions, and scattered outages persisted in parts of Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and North Jersey.
The heat is spilling into holiday and celebrity events, with Sail4th organizers adding free water, misting fans and shade ahead of Saturday festivities and crowds still gathering around Madison Square Garden.