NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A brutal, record-threatening heatwave has officially hit New York as residents head into the holiday weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Extreme Heat Warning that remains in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday.
The weather alert warns of dangerously hot conditions with suffocating heat index values ranging from 105 to 115 degrees.
Temperatures in Central Park hit 100F on Thursday—tying a record high set back in 1966 and marking the city's first triple-digit day since July 2012.
Con Edison reported that crews have already restored power to more than 60,000 customers since the heatwave began, though thousands of New Yorkers remained without electricity Friday morning due to extraordinary stress on the electrical grid.
Friday will bring hot, hazy, and humid conditions with air temperatures climbing near 99F before isolated, potentially severe thunderstorms develop late in the afternoon.
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Independence Day will follow with more of the same grueling heat, with afternoon highs reaching 95F and feels-like temperatures once again of 100°F, accompanied by scattered showers that could disrupt evening fireworks displays. Some relief will finally arrive on Sunday as temperatures drop to a more manageable high of 83F under cloudy skies.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to take immediate precautions in the heat. “Please stay prepared and informed as these dangerously high temperatures continue,” Mamdani said. “Plan for extreme temperatures. Drink more water than usual. Reach out to vulnerable neighbors who may need help finding resources.” New York City residents are strongly advised to call 311 to identify local cooling center locations and obtain official 'Beat the Heat' safety tips.
