New York City is enduring a massive heat wave, with some areas suffering more than others. “Heat-vulnerable” neighborhoods in the city face unique challenges due to a lack of trees, shade, and air-conditioning access. The risk of death in these areas is also higher.
Residents of Jamaica, Queens, are notably affected. In a park near the Van Wyck Expressway, Christina Charlie and her 6-year-old daughter sought the only available shade under a jungle gym. With a water gun, Ms. Charlie cooled both herself and her daughter.
This week, the city is expected to see temperatures reach around 100 degrees. Yet, the heat does not affect everyone uniformly. Neighborhoods like Jamaica feel the heat more intensely, as public health experts categorize them among the most vulnerable due to lack of amenities such as parks with trees, shaded sidewalks, and easy access to air-conditioned spaces. These areas are often economically disadvantaged as well.
Ms. Charlie and her daughter found the park preferable to being at home, where central air conditioning was not an option on the hottest day of the summer. Unable to pay her utility bill, Ms. Charlie faced challenges similar to those of her fellow residents.
Another local resident, Shatira Monique, shares the same apartment building with Ms. Charlie. Both have experienced air conditioning shutdowns, exposing them to further discomfort.
“They need some trees or something in this park,” Ms. Charlie explained as she continued to use the squirt gun for relief. “It is hot as hell out here.”