New York City is heading into a stretch of dangerous heat, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants World Cup visitors to take it seriously.
Mamdani addressed both New York natives and out-of-towners this week, warning that temperatures across the five boroughs could climb past 100 degrees from Wednesday through at least Saturday, with Friday shaping up as the worst of it.
The timing matters for the tens of thousands of World Cup fans in the New York area for the tournament.
MetLife Stadium — known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup — is hosting knockout matches on either side of that window.
Zohran Mamdani warns New York to prepare for extreme heat
Record heat has hit much of the world this summer. Parts of Europe, France among them, have just come through their hottest spell on record, and the United States is preparing to face its own heatwave now.
Mamdani posted to X to raise awareness.
The mayor laid out the threat plainly: “Wednesday through at least Saturday, heat indices will surpass 100 degrees, potentially reaching 109 on Friday.
“These are extremely dangerous conditions, and New Yorkers must plan now to stay safe and help their neighbors do the same.”
He urged residents to sort out somewhere cool before the heat arrives. “The best way to prepare for extreme heat is to identify a safe, air-conditioned place you can spend the hot days,” Mamdani added.
For anyone without air conditioning at home, he pointed to family, friends or one of the hundreds of free public cooling centers the city activates during a heat emergency.
He also asked New Yorkers to check on neighbors, particularly seniors, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses.
What Zohran Mamdani’s warning means for World Cup fans at MetLife Stadium
The good news for supporters is that the worst of the heat does not land on a match day. MetLife Stadium hosts France against Sweden’s Round of 32 tie on Tuesday, then a last-16 game on Sunday.
That still leaves plenty of fans in town through the hottest stretch, whether they are sightseeing, hitting fan festivals or simply waiting out the gap between games. The mayor’s caution applies to them too.
Fans and residents can find their nearest cooling center, including accessible and pet-friendly options, by visiting nyc.gov/beattheheat or calling 311.
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