When the heat climbed past 100 degrees, New Yorkers went looking for relief.
For thousands, that meant Rockaway Beach
What You Need To Know
Shark sightings temporarily forced swimmers from the water on Thursday
After the beach reopened, lifeguards continued warning people about dangerous rip currents
In parts of Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, some residents were coping with power outages as soaring temperatures put extra strain on the electric grid
“I was dripping sweat coming here, so it’s great,” Forest Hills resident Chris Russell said.
“It’s pretty amazing to be out here. It was absolutely worth the time and the energy to feel the breeze we’ve got going on right now,” Williamsburg resident Jennifer Walsh said.
But cooling off didn’t mean the danger was over. Shark sightings temporarily forced swimmers from the water, and even after the beach reopened, lifeguards continued warning people about dangerous rip currents.
“I know the beach is a place to have fun, but it can also be a danger. So, just pay attention to your kids, and same with the adults,” Rockaway resident Ceasar Campos said.
Not everyone could escape the heat. In parts of Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, some residents were coping with power outages as soaring temperatures put extra strain on the electric grid.
Con Edison reduced voltage in parts of the city to help keep electricity flowing.
To push demand lower, Mayor Zohran Mandani and Gov. Kathy Hochul asked New Yorkers to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees.
“I could see how that could be really polarizing. I think that’s a little balmy, but I understand that as the mayor you need to set kind of a high limit, so that way theoretically, that if you’re responsible for the whole grid, nobody can get mad at you for blasting it at, like, 67,” Walsh said.
The request for many was a tough sell.
“Do I think it’s a livable inside condition? I don’t know. I don’t know. I prefer it very chilly,” Williamsburg resident Emily Evelti said.