Temperatures inside New York City Hall dropped to as low as 54 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, a stark contrast to the 78-degree air conditioning recommendation Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued to residents amid a significant heat wave.
Reporters testing 20 locations within City Hall and other municipal buildings found all but five were below the mayor's suggested setting. While temperatures near the mayor's office hovered around 77 degrees at noon, they significantly decreased by late afternoon. One room registered 54 degrees, while the Rotunda reached 64 degrees and the press radio room's air conditioning unit outputted air at 54 degrees.
The discrepancy emerged after Mamdani encouraged New Yorkers to raise their thermostat settings to conserve energy and prevent potential power outages during the heat wave, which saw Central Park hit 100 degrees for the first time in over a decade. "Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment," Mamdani stated on social media.
This advice drew criticism, with City Council Minority Leader David Carr suggesting the mayor should adhere to his own recommendations. Similar advice regarding thermostat settings during heat waves has been given by previous mayors, including Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio, and is consistent with U.S. Department of Energy suggestions of 75 to 78 degrees.
Meanwhile, some city employees working in non-air-conditioned areas, such as building hallways and lobbies, experienced temperatures exceeding 80 degrees, with elevator areas reaching 89 degrees. The Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, found to be empty, registered 81 degrees.
The public advisory and the internal temperature readings occurred as approximately 5,000 Con Edison customers in The Bronx experienced a power outage due to an electrical issue. Utility officials stated repairs were being completed as quickly as possible to prevent more extended disruptions.