Story perspectives

Mayor Declares Heat Emergency, Opens 650 Stations, Keeps Pools Open

7/3/2026

Summary

Mayor Mamdani Heatplan

Mayor Zohran Mamdani activated a Heat Emergency Plan on June 29, 2026 when heat index hit 112 °F.
The city opened 650 stations and deployed 21 COOL vans offering checks, water, and transport.
Olympic- and intermediate-size pools stay open until 8:30 p.m., with 50 pools free from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Consumer and Worker Protection agency warned 75,000 businesses to allow Protected Time Off and urged residents to stay hydrated and check neighbors.

Summary

Mamdani 78°F

Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged setting air conditioners at 78 °F, citing the Department of Energy’s 75-78 °F guidance and noting former mayor Eric Adams gave the same advice in July 2023.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, conservative commentator Bonchie, and United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern each mocked the mayor’s 78 °F recommendation, with Portnoy calling it “communism,” Bonchie asking about “collectivism,” and Spern demanding photos of 78-degree ACs at City Hall.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Chicago heat wave peaked at 106 °F on July 13 and killed over 700 residents, echoing earlier catastrophes such as the 1901 Eastern United States heat wave that claimed 9,500 lives and the 1936 North American heat wave with more than 5,000 deaths. These tragedies have spurred cities to adopt cooling-center programs to protect vulnerable populations.

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Mayor Mamdani Heatplan

Mayor Zohran Mamdani activated a Heat Emergency Plan on June 29, 2026 when heat index hit 112 °F.
The city opened 650 stations and deployed 21 COOL vans offering checks, water, and transport.
Olympic- and intermediate-size pools stay open until 8:30 p.m., with 50 pools free from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Consumer and Worker Protection agency warned 75,000 businesses to allow Protected Time Off and urged residents to stay hydrated and check neighbors.

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