US Cities Add 23 Cooling Centers in New York as Heatwaves Drive Record ER Visits
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 7
US Cities Add 23 Cooling Centers in New York as Heatwaves Drive Record ER Visits
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 7
Summary
New York added 23 cooling centers this summer, lifting its weekday average to 585, as US cities expand heat shelters but still struggle to draw vulnerable residents indoors.
156 heat-related ER visits hit New York hospitals on July 3 when temperatures topped 100F, while Maine logged 128 visits around July 4 and Maryland has reported at least 38 heat deaths.
Long travel distances, low risk perception, pride and distrust of public facilities keep many people at home or outdoors, especially lower-income, homeless and older residents most exposed to extreme heat.
Cities and states are adding outreach beyond fixed sites—New York deployed vans for wellness checks and transport, and Maine has opened more than 100 centers during some hot stretches versus 60 to 70 previously.
The push comes as the continental US recorded its second-hottest first half on record in 2026, with officials saying neighbor-to-neighbor checks remain critical where cooling centers go underused.