An Arctic blast hit the city over the weekend, bringing with it dangerously cold conditions reminiscent of winters long past. Wind chills frequently dipped below zero, with the perceived temperature dropping to a chilling negative 10 degrees. These frosty conditions marked the coldest temperatures the city has experienced in three years, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
An Extreme Cold Warning was put into effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday, representing the first time such an alert has been issued since its inception in 2024. This dire weather prompted the city to take immediate action to protect its residents, particularly those most vulnerable to the freezing temperatures.
Approximately 60 new hotel shelter units were opened, alongside 62 warming centers equipped for those seeking refuge from the cold. Notably, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School in Midtown, Manhattan, served as one of several warming centers established across the city. The outreach efforts also included mobile warming buses, one of which was stationed near Times Square, offering a temporary haven for those affected by the harsh weather.
As the temperature plunged, the city reported that 17 people had succumbed to the extreme conditions, primarily due to hypothermia, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the importance of the ongoing Code Blue alert during a press conference, which is intended to make shelter access simpler for those in need.
Mamdani also announced a broadening of the city’s street outreach operations, collaborating with various institutions such as CUNY and Northwell Health, and including trained school nurses to help engage with homeless individuals. This initiative aims to foster trust and encourage those living on the streets to seek shelter.
Josh Goldfein, a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society’s Homeless Rights Project, noted the difficulties the city faces in convincing some homeless individuals to enter shelters, pointing to a longstanding history of distrust. He suggested that the approach to outreach needs to be more empathetic and supportive, rather than punitive. In a heartfelt plea, Mamdani urged those feeling inclined to endure the cold on the streets to reconsider their choice, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the current weather.
The city is reminding all residents that if they encounter someone in need of shelter, they should not hesitate to call 311, enabling outreach workers or first responders to step in and offer assistance. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens during one of the harshest winter storms in recent memory.