Here's Where NYers Can Cool Down During The Heat Wave

NEW YORK CITY — Call it a hot town, summer in the city, cool down.

Plan for ways to avoid the sweltering, humid heat wave bearing down on New York City, officials warned Monday.

The city is under a heat advisory until Tuesday at 8 p.m. as temperatures are expected to feel like 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

"Stay in doors and use air conditioning, if you have it and it's available," John Scrivani, NYC's emergency management commissioner, said Monday. "If not, you can go to one of our cooling centers. If you have to go out, please avoid strenuous activities, especially during the sun hours from 11 to 4."

Scrivani noted the city has more than 200 cooling centers scattered across the five boroughs, as well as beaches, community pools and parks with water features.

New Yorkers can find cooling centers by calling 311 or visiting its Cooling Center Finder.

The finder is an interactive map that allows New Yorkers to type in their address and find the closest cooling center. But large swaths of some boroughs, especially Queens, apparently don't have nearby cooling centers.

The city also has an interactive map of outdoor cooling options, from misting stations to spray showers to hydrants.

Neighbors and family members should check in on vulnerable people such as seniors, Scrivani said.

"Keep in touch by phone at least twice a day during heat waves," the city's "Beat The Heat" website advises.

The city's public pools opened over the weekend and could provide some heat relief.

A full list of open pools can be found here.

The city also has miles of public beaches for hot New Yorkers to take a dip.

Beaches
Brighton Beach at Coney Island

Borough: Brooklyn
Address: W 37th Street to Ocean Parkway
Brighton Beach is right next to Brooklyn's Coney Island and often (but not always) draws less of a crowd.

Cedar Grove Beach
Borough: Staten Island
Address: Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue
Cedar Grove is New York City's newest beach, a converted oceanfront bungalow colony in Great Kills Park. The Parks Department describes it as "smaller and somewhat more tranquil than its neighbors, Midland Beach and South Beach."

Manhattan Beach
Borough: Brooklyn
Address: Oriental Boulevard, from Ocean Avenue to Mackenzie Street
A family-friendly beach east of Brighton Beach attracts locals looking for a calmer experience.
Parking is available for $7 from Monday through Friday and $22 on weekends and holidays.

Midland Beach
Borough: Staten Island
Address: Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach
Verrazzano Bridge views define this beach, which also offers a scenic trail for biking, a boardwalk and Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, one of the city's most popular.

Orchard Beach
Borough: Bronx
Address: Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park
Orchard Beach is The Bronx's only public beach, proclaimed "The Riviera of New York" when it was created in the 1930s, according to the Parks Department.
Parking is available for $8 from Monday through Friday for cars and vans and $10 on weekends and holidays. A senior citizen discount is available for weekdays.

Rockaway Beach
Borough: Queens
Address: Beach Ninth Street, Far Rockaway to Beach 149th Street,
Crank up The Ramones's self-same song as you head to this popular Queens beach. The Parks Department says: "Beach goers can enjoy the sand and water, the variety of concessions, and the city's only legal surfing beaches. Rockaway Beach is also home to a variety of playgrounds and other outdoor activities."

South Beach
Borough: Staten Island
Address: Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field
Located on New York Bay, South Beach also boasts a view of the Verrazzano Bridge. Be sure to check out the beach's Fountain of Dolphins.
Oh, and there's free parking.

Wolfe's Pond Beach
Borough: Staten Island
Address: Raritan Bay and Prince's Bay, Holton to Cornelia Avenues
Wolfe's Pond Park is the city's "best-kept secret," at least according to the Parks Department. It offers a small, calm and secluded beach.