At least 18 people have died as a result of an extreme cold wave that has swept across New York City, according to city officials, prompting urgent safety warnings from local authorities.
New York City has endured a severe cold spell since late January, with temperatures reaching or dropping below 0°C for 13 consecutive days, marking one of the longest sub-zero periods recorded in the city in six decades.
During the weekend, another fatality was confirmed after a person was found dead on city streets. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Monday that “every life lost is a tragedy, and we will continue to keep their families in our thoughts.”
Emergency Measures and Shelter Expansion
While temperatures are expected to gradually rise during the week, they are still projected to remain below seasonal averages. Mayor Mamdani urged residents to “stay safe, remain indoors, and continue looking out for one another.”
Since January 19, when the city activated a Code Blue emergency, authorities have eased admission policies for homeless shelters. As a result, approximately 1,400 individuals have been placed in shelters.
Additionally, the city increased emergency housing capacity by adding 64 hotel rooms, while deploying at least 150 additional outreach workers to assist vulnerable individuals living on the streets.
On January 27, officials reported that at least 10 of the victims were discovered outdoors, while the circumstances surrounding the remaining deaths remain under investigation.
Weather Conditions and Safety Risks
Mayor Mamdani emphasized that authorities remain on high alert, noting that temperatures were not expected to exceed 32°F (0°C) until later in the week.
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) reported that temperatures are forecast to stabilize around 0°C, following several days of persistent freezing conditions. Typically, average high temperatures during this period reach around 4°C, indicating that the city continues to experience colder-than-normal weather.
The recent 13-day streak of freezing temperatures, which ended briefly last Friday, represents one of the longest cold-weather periods recorded in New York City since 1963.
Ongoing Public Safety Concerns
The New York City Emergency Management Agency warned residents that lingering snow and ice continue to pose serious safety hazards. Officials highlighted the risk of melting snow and ice falling unexpectedly from buildings, as well as the possibility of roads and sidewalks refreezing overnight, increasing the danger of accidents and injuries.
Authorities continue urging residents to follow safety guidelines, monitor weather updates, and check on vulnerable neighbors during the ongoing cold weather.
