New York City will open 45 public schools on Sunday to serve as cooling centers due to the ongoing heatwave that is expected to bring temperatures into the mid-90s.
Around 500 cooling centers were activated on Tuesday and expected to be available until Friday, when the heatwave was expected to break. The latest announcement comes after revised forecasts: A heat advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday.
“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a press release.
Cooling centers are indoor air-conditioned spaces that include libraries and senior centers.
Adams came under criticism earlier this week when libraries — which make up around a third of cooling centers — were closed due to the federal holiday of Juneteenth. Most library branches are also closed on Sunday due to budget cuts.
The city has not released a list of the schools that will open but expects to have one by Saturday, officials said. Currently open cooling centers can be found here or by calling 311.
This is a developing story and may be updated.