New York on Tuesday announced the opening of “cooling centers” across the city as a heatwave burning up the United States settled on the Big Apple.
With the heat index in the city set to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheitdegrees Celsius) amid draining humidity levels, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the centers — public air-conditioned facilities — would be made available in all five New York boroughs.
“During a scorching hot and humid day, New Yorkers should limit their outdoor activity as much as possible and try to stay cool and drink plenty of liquids,” Bloomberg said, while urging people to check on elderly neighbors, relatives and friends.
The city also issued a warning against New Yorkers indulging in the traditional but illegal summer habit of opening fire hydrants to use as street showers.
A statement pointed out that releasing water from the hydrants lowered water pressure, which could hinder fire-fighting efforts.
The national heatwave has so far killed 41 people in the western United States, including 21 illegal immigrants trying to cross from Mexico, since the start of July.
