Central Park Records Highest Temperature In A Decade: Report

NEW YORK CITY — Amid this week's ongoing heatwave, Central Park recorded its highest temperature in more than a decade on Tuesday.

A little before 1:30 p.m., a thermometer at Belvedere Castle in Central Park reached 99 degrees for the first time since July 18, 2012, the New York Times reported. The last time the park reached 98 degrees was on June 30, 2021.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Central Park was 106 degrees on July 9, 1936, according to the Times.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued an Extreme Heat Warning for New York City until 8 p.m., with heat index values of up to 107 degrees during the day expected.

An Extreme Heat Warning means that the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater.

According to the National Weather Service, New Yorkers should take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk, forecasters said. Homes without air conditioning will also be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

As of Tuesday afternoon, about 2,200 homes and businesses in New York City were without power, according to outage tracker website PowerOutage.us.

• RELATED: Nearly 4K Customers Without Power Amid 2nd Day Of NYC Heat Wave: Con Ed

On Monday, close to 8,000 customers had lost power in Queens, Patch previously reported. Similarly, in Staten Island, more than 7,000 customers are without power.

Con Ed has urged residents in the city to avoid using energy-intensive appliances like washers, dryers and microwaves. They have asked residents to limit unnecessary use of air conditioning.

A list of cooling centers in the city can be found online. Cooling center locations can also be found by calling 311.