A severe cold wave sweeping across the United States has placed New York City under an extreme cold alert for the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop to alarming lows. As of Saturday afternoon, temperatures stood at -12°C, but the wind chill made it feel like -26°C, and forecasts indicate that nighttime temperatures could reach -16°C, causing a wind chill effect as low as -31°C. New York's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, emphasized the dangers of being outdoors during this period in a social media statement, underlining the severity of the weather conditions.

To combat the harsh weather, the city has opened ten public schools as warming centers over the weekend, in addition to the 62 centers already available for residents seeking refuge from the cold. The mayor also announced that 60 hotel rooms would be made available for those who prefer not to stay in overcrowded shelters. This initiative aims to provide support and shelter for the vulnerable populations during this extreme weather event, particularly as over 1,200 individuals have already been placed in shelters since the onset of the cold wave.

As the extreme cold alert extends through Sunday and Monday, authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. Mayor Mamdani's announcement reflects a significant response to the crisis, showcasing the city's efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather while protecting its most vulnerable citizens. The situation is expected to improve gradually throughout the week; however, the immediate concern remains the safety of individuals exposed to the severe cold conditions.