New York City is bracing itself for a fierce heat wave that is set to scorch the region from Sunday, June 22, through Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with temperatures potentially reaching 100 degrees or more. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning—the highest level of heat alert—signaling the severity of the upcoming weather conditions. This blistering heat wave, accompanied by high humidity, is expected to create life-threatening conditions, especially for older adults, people with chronic health issues, and those without access to air conditioning.
As summer officially arrived on Friday night, June 20, 2025, the heat quickly intensified, with humidity returning over the weekend. The tri-state area is experiencing what meteorologists warn could be a record-shattering heat wave, with temperatures likely to feel like 100 degrees or warmer from Monday through Wednesday. Central Park, a key temperature measuring point, is predicted to reach highs of 98 degrees on Monday and 99 degrees on Tuesday, breaking records set back in 1888. LaGuardia Airport is expected to hit 100 degrees on both days, marking the first time in June since 1966 that such triple-digit temperatures have been recorded in the city.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Sunday, June 22, covering 32 of New York State's 62 counties—including all five boroughs of New York City. The state’s fire prevention teams and swift water rescue crews have been put on standby to respond to any emergencies that might arise during the extreme heat. Hochul emphasized the dangers of the heat wave, stating, "I urge all New Yorkers to stay weather aware and take precautions to stay vigilant and safe as extreme heat and severe weather are expected to continue impacting the State over the next couple of days." She also encouraged early voting ahead of the June 24 primary election to avoid standing in long lines under the sweltering sun, noting, "That's why voting early is such an incredibly important option this year, or request a mail-in ballot at your local county office." Additionally, the governor signed a bill allowing refreshments to be offered to voters waiting in line.
Locally, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman warned residents to prepare by having plenty of water on hand and keeping cellphones charged due to the risk of power outages. Nassau’s cooling centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one location at Mitchel Field operating 24 hours. He urged caution, reminding residents, "If you take precautions, you'll be absolutely fine," while advising the use of sunscreen, light and loose clothing, and never leaving children or pets in cars during the heat.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also issued strong warnings and guidance to residents. He described the heat wave as "brutal and dangerous to those who spend extended periods outside," urging everyone to "know your cool options, whether it’s your own home, the home of a friend or family member with an air conditioner, a mall, a library, a museum, or an official city cooling center." Starting Sunday, at least 35 cooling centers across the city—including libraries, community centers, and adult centers—are open to provide relief. Petco locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens are also available as cooling centers for pets. Museums and community centers offer additional air-conditioned spaces, and public beaches like Rockaway Beach and Coney Island are open for the season.
While New York City’s outdoor pools are not scheduled to open until June 27, free indoor pools remain accessible to members year-round. The city has also deployed drinking fountains and sprinklers to help residents cool down, and maintains a map of outdoor cooling features such as spray showers, shaded tree-covered areas, and public pools on the Parks Department’s Cool It! NYC website.
Health officials emphasize the dangers of heat-related illnesses, which can escalate quickly. New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald explained, "Heat injury sneaks up on all of us. It doesn't just start and, all of a sudden, you're sick. You may start feeling faint, maybe a little dizzy, maybe nauseous... then you might feel some weakness, maybe you can't walk straight... it might progress to confusion, even convulsions, loses consciousness." People are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and seek shade or air-conditioned environments. Those working outdoors should take frequent breaks, wear light clothing, and drink plenty of water.
The city’s Emergency Management and Health Departments have issued preparedness tips, including using air conditioners efficiently, planning for where to stay cool, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Residents are reminded to call 911 immediately if anyone shows signs of heat-related illness such as confusion, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
In addition to extreme heat, an Air Quality Health Advisory was issued for all of Long Island due to elevated ozone levels, effective from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. This adds another layer of risk for vulnerable populations.
The heat wave follows a series of severe storms earlier in the week that caused damage across the region, including an incident in Central Park where a teenage boy was injured by a falling tree. The heat dome responsible for the soaring temperatures is expected to keep showers and storms away until Thursday, June 26, providing little relief until then.
As temperatures remain dangerously high, city and state officials alike stress the importance of community vigilance and support. Mayor Adams urged New Yorkers to check on family members and pets, reminding everyone, "Let's remember who we are as New Yorkers. We check on our neighbors, see if there's anything we can pick up for them, especially our older neighbors, let them stay inside, or a mom with little children, help everybody out."
This heat wave serves as a stark reminder of how quickly weather conditions can shift and how vital preparedness and community care are during such extreme events. With temperatures potentially breaking records and the heat index soaring above 105 degrees, New Yorkers are encouraged to take the warnings seriously and prioritize safety in the coming days.
