New York City Swelters as Central Park Reaches 100 Degrees, First Time in Over a Decade

New York City's Central Park registered a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday afternoon, marking the first time the location has reached triple digits since July 18, 2012. This reading occurred as a significant heatwave grips the region, with forecasts indicating the extreme conditions will persist through the July 4 holiday.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service and AccuWeather reported that the 100-degree reading on Thursday ties for the hottest day in the city since 1966. This year's temperature also surpasses the 99 degrees recorded in Central Park around the same time last year.

With punishing humidity, the heat index is expected to make conditions feel close to 110 degrees. The forecast suggests that Central Park could reach 100 degrees for two consecutive days, a phenomenon not seen since July 2011. The park previously experienced back-to-back 100-degree days on July 22 and 23, 2011, and also in July 2010. Data indicates that Central Park has endured three consecutive 100-degree days only twice: in August 1948 and July 1993.

The current heatwave is attributed to a heat dome over the East Coast and Midwest, which began pushing temperatures into the high 90s on Wednesday. The most intense heat recorded in the city was a 12-day stretch from August 24 to September 4, 1953.

While the extreme heat is expected to slightly ease on Saturday with a high of 95 degrees, there is a 55% chance of heavy afternoon thunderstorms that could impact July 4 weekend plans. Sunday is projected to be the final day of the heatwave with highs around 90 degrees, and normal temperatures are expected to return by Monday.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for New York City, the Lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, northern New Jersey, and western Connecticut, in effect from noon Wednesday through 9 p.m. Friday.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declared a heat emergency and initiated a cooling outreach program. LINK NYC kiosks will provide information on the nearest cooling centers for residents seeking relief. Mamdani advised New Yorkers to stay indoors with air conditioning during the hottest hours of the day and to avoid going outside if possible.