New York Gripped by Extreme Cold in One of the Harshest Cold Waves in 20 Years

New York City is experiencing an intense cold wave toward the end of the week, one of the most severe in more than two decades. Due to the dangerous conditions, authorities have issued an “extreme cold” warning—an alert usually reserved for mountainous or high-altitude regions.

The situation has been made even more hazardous by powerful winds. While temperatures have dropped well below single digits, strong wind gusts have pushed the wind chill in New York City down to nearly minus 14 degrees Fahrenheit. In some areas outside the city, wind chills have plunged as low as minus 20 to minus 30 degrees.

Meteorologists say the ongoing cold spell could become one of the longest prolonged periods of extreme cold in New York’s history. During this sustained freeze, at least 17 people have died while outdoors in the city, with hypothermia believed to be a contributing factor in many of the deaths.

In response to the worsening conditions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced additional emergency measures. These include expanding shelter capacity, securing extra hotel rooms, keeping warming centers open across the city, and strengthening outreach efforts to bring vulnerable people off the streets and into safe shelter.

The weather department has warned that even short periods of exposure to the extreme cold and strong winds can be life-threatening. Residents have been advised to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.