Video: watson/Emanuella Kälin
February 10, 2026, 3:25 p.mFeb 10, 2026, 3:52 p.m
An exceptionally severe cold wave has had New York firmly in its grip for two weeks. The temperatures repeatedly fell to lows of as low as -15 degrees. The temperatures were therefore lower than in parts of Antarctica. This means that the metropolis is experiencing the longest uninterrupted phase of sub-zero temperatures in 65 years.
The extreme cold leaves clear marks on the cityscape: ice floes are floating on the Hudson River and the fountains are completely frozen over. In order to maintain ferry traffic, icebreakers had to be used to clear the way for the ships through the frozen water.
The situation is particularly dramatic for homeless people. On January 19, the authorities declared the so-called “Code Blue” – an emergency measure that activates additional protection options. Among other things, it obliges the police not to expel people from subway stations. Despite these measures, according to official information, at least 18 people died as a result of the persistent cold.
However, there are now signs of a slight relaxation. The previously valid cold warning was lifted on Monday and meteorologists expect temperatures to rise from the middle of the week. According to forecasts, the values could climb to up to 4 degrees.
Video: watson/Emanuella Kälin
(emk)
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