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New York. – This Tuesday, the hottest day in the city of New York in the last 13 years was recorded, with the thermometer reaching 99°F (37°C) in Central Park, according to reports from the National Weather Service (NWS).
It hadn't been seen such a high figure since July 2012, and today Wednesday the conditions remain suffocating.
Other metropolitan areas even surpassed that figure: Newark (NJ) reached 103°F (39.4°C), LaGuardia marked 100°F (37.7°C) and JFK rose to 102°F (39°C), breaking historical records at each terminal.
With a heat index that surpassed 101°F (38°C) this afternoon due to humidity, authorities have reiterated extreme heat alerts. Temporary relief is expected on Thursday, when the temperature could drop to 79°F (26°C) with a chance of rain.
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The dry air from the west has intensified temperatures, especially outside of Manhattan, where the lack of green areas contributes to an even more suffocating environment. Furthermore, the lack of nighttime cooling, combined with high humidity levels, exacerbates the health risk. The National Weather Service warned that the heat can generate an increase in ground-level ozone, raising atmospheric pollution. Meanwhile, Con Edison asked its customers to reduce electricity consumption to avoid overloading the grid, and Amtrak reported delays due to heat restrictions on the rails between Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. To mitigate the effects of the heat, the city has more than 500 cooling centers. To find the nearest one or inquire about schedules and access, you can call 311 or visit the city's official website. In addition, public pools will be open from June 27th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a break for cleaning between 3 and 4 p.m. There are also active water fountains in several squares and parks, and the FDNY reminds that hydrants should only be opened by authorized personnel.
