New York City is bracing for dangerously low temperatures this weekend, with the National Weather Service warning that wind chills could plummet to 15 degrees below zero, potentially leading to frostbite in as little as 30 minutes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted Saturday evening as likely to be the coldest night of the winter, urging residents to remain indoors and encouraging homeless individuals to utilize expanded shelter options.
Throughout the city, frigid conditions are expected to persist into Sunday, with an extreme cold warning in effect until 1 p.m. Local outreach efforts were exemplified by Gothamist’s report of a mobile warming center setup outside the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, although awareness about such services remains critical. Mamdani acknowledged a communication breakdown regarding these warming stations on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show.
In the subways, workers like Mike Lopez expressed the challenges posed by the extreme cold, suggesting that it exacerbates health issues like asthma, especially with the prevalence of vaping indoors. As he navigates the harsh conditions while shuttling between outdoor work and heated spaces, he described the situation as “inhumane.”
At an outreach event with first responders in Staten Island, Mamdani reinforced the importance of staying indoors when possible and emphasized appropriate clothing for those who must venture outside. He cautioned that even the best winter gear might not suffice against the brutal cold, urging residents to dress in layers and cover extremities, including wearing hats and face masks.
The National Weather Service additionally warned of wind gusts reaching 50 mph, which may result in hazards such as downed tree limbs and power outages. Residents were reminded to keep pets indoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid using generators or grills for heat.
These extreme temperatures mark the most severe conditions since late January when the city was hit by its largest snowstorm in years. The consequences of the cold have already been tragic, with at least 17 confirmed fatalities linked to hypothermia since January 24, a toll that highlights the pressing need for improved public awareness and support for those most at risk during such weather events.