New York City Heatwave Alert: Mayor Zohran Mamdani shares AC setting to stay cool as extreme heat grips the city

New York is facing extreme heatwave conditions after more than a decade at this point and the New York mayor Zohran Mamdani urged the residents to use their ACs carefully and save electricity by changing some settings of the ACs.

New York City officials have urged residents to keep their air conditioners set at 78 degrees as the city faces rising temperatures and increasing pressure on the electricity grid. The move aims to reduce strain on the power system while encouraging people to stay safely indoors in cooled environments during extreme heat.

In a recent X post, Mamdani wrote, “New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool. Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can. Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment. A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let's ease demand — and get through the heat — together.”

Measures to Reduce Pressure on Power Grid

The advisory comes as electricity demand continues to rise across the city. Officials are encouraging residents to use energy responsibly while staying protected from dangerous heat conditions.

Mayor Mamdani said similar steps are being followed across government buildings, including maintaining indoor temperatures at 78 degrees, reducing lighting use during peak demand periods and turning off non-essential equipment.

Residents Advised to Stay Indoors During Heat Wave

Earlier, the mayor warned that New York City could experience its most severe heat wave in more than a decade. He advised residents to remain indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, especially vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, people with heart or respiratory conditions, and pets.

Residents who do not have access to reliable air conditioning were encouraged to visit the city’s cooling centres for relief from extreme temperatures.

Extreme Heat Warning Issued for New York City

The National Weather Service recently issued an Extreme Heat Warning for New York City, along with an Extreme Heat Watch during the holiday period, as temperatures were expected to reach dangerous levels.

Officials have also highlighted the importance of recognising signs of heat-related illnesses.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke

Mamdani urged residents to watch for symptoms of heat stroke, including confusion, dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing. He advised people to seek emergency help immediately if someone experiences these warning signs.

[With TOI inputs]