The city has designated some libraries and other public facilities as cooling rooms.Image: www.imago-images.de
Jul 1, 2026, 01:45Jul 1, 2026, 01:45
The east coast metropolis of New York is preparing for a heat wave with temperatures reaching almost 40 degrees. The city has declared some libraries and other public facilities to be cooling rooms and wants to provide protection from the heat with spray fans in some open-air areas. Separate cooling stations should be set up for those working outdoors. At the same time, there is a long Independence Day weekend and other World Cup games coming up in the USA.
“We may be looking at the second hottest day in the history of New York City in more than a decade,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani, speaking of “life-threatening heat.” According to city officials, 19 people died in New York City last year as a result of “record heat” in June.
The city also noted that local fire departments are lending out free spray caps that can be used to turn roadside fire hydrants into fountains for children.
Heat also affects fans and players of the World Cup
According to the forecast, temperatures are expected to drop slightly again on Sunday. In the round of 16 of the World Cup, Brazil and Norway will meet in East Rutherford – with a forecast temperature of 34 degrees.
It’s not just in New York that people are expecting high temperatures. The National Weather Service is warning of dangerous heat expected to reach record levels and high humidity across much of the central and eastern United States. Authorities are also warning of intense heat for parts of Ontario and Quebec in Canada.
According to experts, the reason for sometimes dangerously high temperatures is the weather phenomenon of the heat bell, which recently caused exceptionally high temperatures in Central and Western Europe. (sda/dpa)