After a wet and gloomy start to June, residents of New York City are now facing a sweltering summer that has already set records.
Following a brief cool spell after the intense ‘heat dome,’ the mercury is on the rise once again, in time for the much-anticipated annual Pride Parade set for Sunday, June 29.
While temperatures may not soar into the triple digits as they did last week, the forecast predicts a hot weekend with highs approaching 87°F in Manhattan.
Organizers are urging attendees to take precautions to stay cool as they celebrate.
The following week, starting in July, is expected to maintain the trend of warm weather with abundant sunshine dominating the forecast.
However, meteorologists anticipate some thundery showers on Tuesday, followed by a return to hot and sunny conditions on Wednesday.
June has been a month of contrasts; after an unusually wet May prompted Mayor Eric Adams to describe the weather as ‘gross’ on social media, the city saw a mix of cooler, drizzly days transitioning into record-breaking heat.
The significant temperature rise aligns with expert predictions, and the heat dome that impacted large portions of the eastern and central United States brought New York City extreme heat, resulting in Governor Kathy Hochul declaring a state of emergency.
Governor Hochul’s state of emergency was first declared on June 22, and it will remain in effect for a month, concluding on July 22.
Although the initial heatwave reached its peak, the state of emergency persists to ensure that emergency services can effectively manage potential damage from thunderstorms and any subsequent heat crises during early July, according to a spokesperson for the governor.
The State Emergency Operations Center is advising residents to stay vigilant, avoid flooded roadways, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and sign up for local emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Climate experts have warned of an exceptionally warm summer for the city, even in light of the sluggish spring.
This trend reflects long-range forecasts that predicted June would offer an average start to summer, with heat building up significantly in July and August, reminiscent of past years.
In the previous summer, New York City dealt with extreme heat characterized by more 90-degree days than in the combined total of the previous two years.
Such extreme temperature fluctuations can pose serious dangers, particularly for the city’s most vulnerable populations.
It is worth noting that heat-related fatalities occur far too frequently in New York, with an average of five residents succumbing to heat stroke each year, primarily within their homes.
With extreme heat now being considered more lethal than hurricanes and tornadoes on a national scale, it is critical for New Yorkers to remain aware of the risks associated with high temperatures.
Predictions for sweltering weather this summer are consistent with expectations for the broader United States, which is likely to see hotter-than-normal conditions across numerous regions.
New Yorkers have additional reasons for concern regarding extreme temperatures, given the city’s infrastructure and climate.
Unlike many other areas of the country, New York City is notorious for its heat retention, largely due to a lack of widespread central air conditioning.
Instead, window units are more commonplace, especially in older buildings that often lack the necessary infrastructure for central air.
This situation intensifies residents’ reliance on these window units, making them more vulnerable during heat waves.
With climate experts urging caution, New Yorkers are reminded to stay informed, prepared, and safe this summer amid the record-breaking heat.
image source from：themirror
