Mamdani Draws Heat for 78-Degree AC Advice as NYC Warns of 112-Degree Heat Index

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 3

Zohran Mamdani faced fresh online ridicule after telling New Yorkers to limit AC use, then urging residents to keep older relatives in air-conditioned spaces during the coming heat wave.
A 112-degree heat index forecast and fears of grid strain drove the mayor’s request that households set thermostats to 78 degrees and cut other electricity use.
City Hall said it is also deploying COOL vans, adding eight cooling centers, extending pool hours and dimming lights in public buildings to reduce peak demand.
Critics cast the messages as contradictory, though one social media user noted former Mayor Rudy Giuliani issued similar conservation guidance during a 1999 heat emergency.
The backlash extends a fight that began after Mamdani’s 78-degree post went viral, underscoring scrutiny of how the self-described socialist handles climate and quality-of-life promises.