Cooling Centers 2025: Combating Rising Heat in New York City

• NYC Summers Are Getting Hotter
• Know the Signs of a Heat Stroke
• Heat Disproportionately Harms the Vulnerable
• The Salvation Army Steps In
• Expanding Relief
• Updates

NYC Summers Are Getting Hotter

As temperatures rise, more New Yorkers are starting to feel the heat. In recent years, summers in New York City have felt significantly hotter — with heatwaves occurring more frequently over the past decade than during the preceding forty years, and average temperatures steadily climbing. Late last month, The New York Times reported that temperatures soared to a sweltering 102°F and landed more than 100 in emergency rooms.

This isn’t just a personal observation. The data backs it up. According to the National Weather Service, 2024 ranked as the third hottest summer in the last five years (behind 2020 and 2022). A review of citywide temperature data from 1963 to 2024 shows that the average summer temperature increased by 89% when comparing the 30-year periods of 1963–1993 and 1994–2024 (see chart below).

Know the Signs of a Heat Stroke/Illness

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. If you experience the following symptoms call 911:

• Hot, dry skin
• Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
• Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Fast, strong pulse
• Weakness
• Dizziness

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness of feeling faint
• Headache
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite or nausea

Heat Disproportionately Harms the Vulnerable

While a hot day might sound like the perfect excuse to bask in the sun at the beach, extreme heat can be dangerous, and even fatal, especially for those without access to cooling or safe indoor environments. Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbate existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

A 2025 report from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and Health found that an estimated 525 people died each year from heat-related causes between 2018 and 2022. Alarmingly, heat-related deaths have increased in the past decade, mainly due to hotter summers overall and a rise in “non-extreme hot days” — days that may not break records but are still deadly, especially for high-risk groups.

Vulnerable populations including the elderly, Black and Hispanic/Latino New Yorkers, and individuals with chronic illnesses, face significantly higher risks. From 2014 to 2023, 89% of heat-related deaths involved at least one preexisting condition such as heart disease, substance or alcohol use, mental illness, respiratory conditions, or diabetes. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic/Latino New Yorkers were found to be two times and 1.5 times more likely, respectively, to die from heat-related causes compared to white New Yorkers.

The Salvation Army Steps In

While long-term systemic change is essential to reduce the effects of extreme heat, there’s also an urgent need for immediate, accessible solutions. Each summer, The Salvation Army of Greater New York steps up to meet this need by participating in the city’s official network of cooling centers. These centers provide safe, air-conditioned spaces where anyone can escape the excessive heat

This year, we designated 13 of our community centers as official cooling centers, up from 8 last year. In addition to offering air-conditioned spaces, our staff distributed cold water and soft drinks to visitors seeking relief.

To stay informed throughout the summer, follow The Salvation Army New York on social media. We regularly share updates on which cooling centers are open and which days they’ll be operating!

Looking Ahead: Expanding Relief

As temperatures continue to rise in the years ahead, The Salvation Army plans to expand its efforts by increasing the number of locations serving as cooling centers, particularly in communities where the need is greatest. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that the most vulnerable New Yorkers have a place to turn during times of crisis.

Updates

• July 12: No heat advisory warnings have gone out as of yet but according to weather.com, the temperature range from July 13 to July 26 will be between 83 to 90 degrees. Follow our socials to receive updates on what days and times our cooling centers will be open.
• July 17: A heat advisory remains in effect until 10PM EDT this evening. Heat index values are up to 103 degrees. Be on the lookout for updates on our social media platforms for when and where our cooling centers will be open.