New York City is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s on Wednesday and projections indicating a potential reach of 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time in 12 years. This scorching weather is expected to persist over the next four days, with Thursday and Friday forecast to hit a high of 100 degrees.
The last time Central Park recorded a temperature of 100 degrees was on July 18, 2012, a mark that tied for the hottest day in the city since 1966, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Carl Erickson. Wednesday's temperature reached 94 degrees, with the possibility of thunderstorms forming in the evening.
On Thursday and Friday, the heat is predicted to reach 100 degrees, with high humidity making the perceived temperature feel closer to 110 degrees. Erickson advised those who must be outdoors to seek shade, drink plenty of water and electrolytes, and limit exposure to the hottest parts of the day, ideally before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Relief is not expected overnight due to the high humidity, which is anticipated to create uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Saturday is forecast to see a slight drop with a high of 95 degrees, but there is a 55% chance of heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon. The heatwave is expected to conclude on Sunday, with temperatures around 90 degrees and forecasted storms bringing conditions back to normal by Monday.
In response to the extreme heat, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a heat emergency and initiated a cooling outreach program. LINK NYC kiosks will now direct residents to the nearest cooling centers. Mamdani emphasized the importance of staying indoors with air conditioning and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours. 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, effective from noon Wednesday through 9 p.m. Friday. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the state is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating efforts for cooling centers, and assessing the electrical grid's capacity.