New York City Faces Dangerous Heat Wave – How to Stay Safe
New York City has been experiencing its first major heat wave of the season since last Thursday, June 19, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s. By Monday, June 23, the heat will peak, possibly near or above 100 °, before starting to taper off mid‑week. Forecasts indicate that this stretch will continue through Thursday, June 26, with overnight lows in the 70s.
Because the spike comes after a mild June, it poses added danger, especially to older adults, young children, those with health issues, and residents without air conditioning.
Apply for the Cooling Assistance Benefit – Last Days!
The Cooling Assistance program helps qualifying households get a fan or air conditioner during this heat. As officials explain, “This can cover the cost of the air conditioner or fan, administrative costs, labor, program support, materials, removal of an old unit, or minor repairs needed for safety.”
- Application window: April 15 to June 23, while funding lasts
- Benefit covers up to $800 for portable/window AC or fan and $1,000 for wall sleeve AC
- Eligibility: someone 60+, under 6, or with a heat‑sensitive health condition; income limits or public benefits (SNAP, SSI, TA); no AC or AC older than 5 years; no HEAP benefit within the past five years
- First‑come, first‑served. Apply via Access NYC, phone at 718‑557‑1399, or in person.
Follow Safety Tips and Watch for Illness Symptoms
- Stay inside during peak heat hours, usually 11 AM–4 PM
- Run AC if you have it; otherwise, close blinds and visit cooling centers
- Drink plenty of water and skip sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine
- Take cool showers and wear light, loose clothing
- If you must go out, seek shade, wear sunscreen and a hat, and carry water
Look out for heat-related symptoms:
- Heat exhaustion includes sweating, cramps, nausea, dizziness
- Heat stroke includes confusion, hot dry skin, or fainting—call 911 if you suspect it
Local cooling centers will open citywide—check NYC’s Cool Options Map. Also, sign up for Notify NYC to stay alerted.
Prepare for Election Day
Primary election day falls on Tuesday, June 24, during the heart of the heat wave. Forecasts suggest near‑record temps. Officials recommend early voting or going to shade-equipped polling places.
More…
- https://secretnyc.co/nyc-first-heat-wave-of-the-year-june-2025/
- https://apnews.com/article/extreme-heat-warning-weather-alerts-08474331c34d4b455a2bbdeadf887089
- https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/19/election-day-heat-wave-worries-cuomo-campaigns-00414472
- https://www.nbcnewyork.com/weather/weather-stories/summer-thursday-heat-wave-temps-near-100/6306282/
- https://secretnyc.co/cooling-assistance-benefit-nyc/
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