How the Urban Heat Island Effect Makes a Hot Day Even Hotter
As summer winds down, extreme heat in NYC remains a serious issue — and it's only getting worse. NYC's urban heat island effect is the worst in the U.S. Over 350 New Yorkers die every year from heat — more than any other natural disaster combined.
Inequity is built into the climate crisis. In low-income and Black neighborhoods like the South Bronx, temperatures can rise 13° F higher than wealthier areas.
The majority of the 10 hottest districts also have some of the lowest tree canopy coverage and the least access to parks in the entire city. In these heat-vulnerable neighborhoods, planting trees isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about saving lives.
Right now, only 15% of the three hottest districts are shaded by trees. And for 1 in 3 residents in these areas, there isn’t even a park within walking distance leaving no place to escape the heat.
Extreme heat also impacts how New Yorkers move around. Only 1 in 5 bus stops provides shelter for shade or protection from the elements. The Bronx has the seven hottest bus stops, where temperatures are, on average, 19°F higher in the summer due to the urban heat island effect.
On hot days, waiting for the bus can feel unbearable. As NYC braces for more heat waves, we must address these inequities — because everyone, regardless of ZIP code, deserves a safe, livable city.
