It’s going to hit 100 degrees in NYC this week

New York is about to get its hottest weather of the year: it could hit 100 degrees before the week is over.

Forecasters warn that we’re heading into the warmest stretch of the summer so far, with temperatures expected to reach around 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Throw in the humidity and it will feel more like 105 to 110 degrees in parts of the city, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Excessive Heat Watch beginning Wednesday. The dangerous conditions stem from a massive "heat dome" that's baking much of the eastern United States ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Thankfully, today offers one last relatively comfortable day, with highs in the mid-80s before the real heat arrives. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s on Tuesday, reach about 95 degrees on Wednesday, then peak around 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Even after sunset, relief may be limited—overnight temps are expected to be unusually warm thanks to lingering humidity.

The city is urging New Yorkers to take the heat seriously. Health officials warn that prolonged exposure can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and anyone working or exercising outdoors. 

“As an ER doctor, I watched heat stroke come through the doors on days exactly like the ones ahead,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin wrote on X over the weekend. “Fast, deadly and almost always preventable.”

If your apartment feels more like a sauna than a home, you don't have to tough it out, though. New York City opens air-conditioned cooling centers whenever the National Weather Service forecasts a heat index of at least 95 degrees for two consecutive days or 100 degrees at any point—conditions this week's forecast is expected to meet. Cooling centers are typically located inside public libraries, community centers, senior centers and some NYCHA facilities, with hours varying by location. You can also escape the heat at museums, coffee shops or other air-conditioned public spaces if you need a break.

The city's Cool It! NYC program also recommends heading to public pools, sprinklers, splash pads and shaded parks when temperatures soar—while avoiding strenuous outdoor activity between 11 am and 4 pm, drinking plenty of water and checking in on neighbors who may be especially vulnerable. Pet owners should remember that hot pavement can burn paws in seconds; several cooling centers also welcome pets.

As for the Fourth of July, there is some good news: forecasters expect the worst of the heat to ease by Saturday, with highs dropping into the low 90s. That's still hot by anyone's standards, but noticeably less dangerous than the triple-digit temperatures expected later this week. There's also a chance of scattered showers, so holiday cookouts and fireworks displays may come with a side of umbrellas.

Enjoy today while you can, keep your water bottle close and maybe postpone that midday run until next week. New York is about to get seriously steamy.