Expanded cooling centers during heatwaves may be a reality in New York City as per the recent legislation that has been approved.

In a bid to combat the increasing heatwaves in New York City, the New York City Council passed a bill on Thursday, aiming to enhance the city's cooling center network. The measure now heads to Mayor Eric Adams for review.

According to the bill, the goal is to have seven cooling centers per 100,000 residents. These centers, which offer free air conditioning when a heat advisory is in effect, are expected to be located in libraries, community centers, senior centers, and NYCHA facilities, among others.

The current mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has expressed his support for this initiative. Zachary Nosanchuk, a spokesperson for the mayor, stated that the administration supports "any initiative to expand this critical relief."

Councilmember Keith Powers of Manhattan authored the bill due to concerns about climate change. The legislation requires the city's Emergency Management agency to ensure widespread access to cooling centers.

The bill establishes more stringent guidelines for cooling centers across the city. The agency is also required to submit a comprehensive plan by May 2026 for operating these centers and communicating with the public about heat risks.

The importance of this bill is underscored by the alarming statistics. More than 500 city residents die prematurely each year from heat-related illness, and about one in 10 New Yorkers don't have home AC.

According to the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment, summers in the city are getting hotter. The number of days per year over 95 degrees in New York City is projected to increase from the current average of four days to between 14 and 32 days per year by mid-century, and to between 17 and 54 days per year by the end of the century.

A heat advisory is declared when real-feel temperatures are forecast to hit at least 95 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 degrees for any length of time.

During a Council hearing in April, Adams administration officials testified that the provisions were "largely already in action" under existing practices and laws.

New Yorkers can find cooling centers near them on the city's website or by calling 311. This story has been updated with additional information.

Expanded cooling centers during heatwaves may be a reality in New York City as per the recent legislation that has been approved.