NYC expands extreme-heat measures and cooling resources for summer peak

New York City expanded emergency steps to help residents stay safe during dangerous July heat—especially people without air conditioning and anyone who must be outside for work. Here’s what the City says to do now, including where to cool down and when to call for help.

Where to cool down during the heat emergency

NYC311 says cooling centers open when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory with a forecasted heat index of 95 degrees or higher for two or more days or 100 degrees for any period of time.

• Use NYC311 to find the nearest cooling center while the heat emergency is active.
• Facilities vary: cooling centers are in air-conditioned places like libraries, community centers, senior centers, and NYCHA facilities.
• Check site rules through the listing or by calling the facility, because hours and accessibility can vary by location.
• Get discounted rides to some cooling centers: NYC311 says discounted Lyft rides are available now through Sunday, July 5, 2026 using code NYCCOOL26 for up to $15 off each of three rides to or from participating cooling centers.

In its expanded emergency measures for this heat event, the Mayor’s Office said the City added cooling-center options—including eight additional City buildings opening noon through midnight July 3–5 and 10 additional library branches opening through the holiday weekend.

Other expanded help beyond cooling centers

• More pool time: the City extended hours for Olympic- and intermediate-sized outdoor pools until 8:30 p.m.
• Cooling outreach and wellness checks: the City launched 21 COOL vans with wellness checks, medical care, and resources such as electrolytes and sunscreen, plus transport to cooling centers or healthcare facilities.
• Street outreach under Code Red: the City said Code Red outreach runs 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. during heat advisory days to connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter and cooling resources.
• Worker-focused cooling support: the Mayor’s Office said the City deployed pop-up outdoor cooling stations (with water, misting fans, and cooling towels) for outdoor workers and contacted businesses about heat-illness planning.

Who is at greatest risk in extreme NYC heat

NYC DOHMH says AC is the most effective protection—but people are at highest risk when they don’t have or can’t use air conditioning, especially if they also have one or more risk factors, including:

• Older adults (age 60+)
• Chronic health conditions (such as cardiovascular/renal disease, respiratory conditions, and diabetes)
• Mental health conditions and people with dementia/cognitive difficulty or difficulty thermoregulating or self-care
• Medications that affect thermoregulation (and people on certain drug classes noted by DOHMH)
• Drug use or heavy alcohol use, and people who are socially isolated or have limited mobility

Heat illness warning signs: when to call 311 vs. 911

• Call 311 if you need help finding a cooling center or getting connected to City resources during the heat emergency.
• Call 911 immediately if you or someone else shows serious heat-illness/heat-stroke symptoms.

NYC311 lists serious heat-illness signs as: hot, dry skin (or cold, clammy skin), confusion/hallucinations/disorientation, unconsciousness or unresponsiveness, nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing, rapid/strong pulse, weakness, and dizziness.

Practical steps for residents, parents, and caregivers

• Plan your cool-down option now (home with AC, a friend or relative’s AC, or a cooling center found via NYC311).
• If you have AC, NYC311 advises setting it at 78 degrees or “low cool.”
• Hydrate: drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Reduce the hottest exposure: NYC311 advises avoiding sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Check on high-risk neighbors, especially older adults and people with chronic conditions, disabilities, or limited mobility.
• If symptoms appear, don’t wait—move to a cool environment and call 911 for serious signs.

Sources

• NYC311 Cooling Centers guide
• NYC Mayor’s Office: Expanded emergency heat measures (July 2026)