The city is opening hundreds of cooling centers throughout the five boroughs as extreme heat sets in for the next few days.

Nearly 600 centers will open during the heat wave, which is expected to last through Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

  • Nearly 600 centers will open during the heat wave, which is expected to last through Wednesday

  • The cooling centers operate out of public buildings like libraries and older adult centers

  • An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday, which is also primary day

“These are free, air-conditioned places where you can go to escape the heat and stay safe,” Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said at a news briefing on Saturday. 

The cooling centers operate out of public buildings like libraries and older adult centers, according to Iscol. A total of 248 opened on Sunday.

Click here or call 311 to find a nearby cooling center.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service upgraded its Extreme Heat Watch for the city to an Extreme Heat Warning, the highest-level alert the agency can issue. 

The warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday, which is also primary day.

Officials are urging New Yorkers, especially those more vulnerable to severe weather, to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay inside whenever possible. 

They also reminded pet owners to be mindful of the same for their animals.

The hottest weather is expected Tuesday, which is primary day in the city. Iscol said his agency is working closely with the city’s Board of Elections to supply water to polling sites.

The board will also be distributing fans to sites without air conditioning.