NYC Mayor Announces Single-Room Warming Shelters as Extreme Cold Persists

A 14th person has died from the cold weather, prompting the city to open additional warming centers.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:15am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the opening of new single-room warming shelter units as extreme cold and below freezing temperatures continue to grip the city. This comes after the city reported its 14th cold-related death. Sanitation workers have been working around the clock to melt away over 67 million pounds of snow, but the frigid temperatures are creating additional challenges like water main breaks.

Why it matters

The extreme cold weather in New York City has proven deadly, with 14 lives lost so far. The mayor's decision to open additional warming shelters, including single-room units, aims to provide safe refuge for vulnerable residents as the city struggles to dig out from the recent snowstorm.

The details

Starting Sunday, the new single-room warming shelters will be available in Upper Manhattan. This is in addition to other warming centers that have remained open across the city. Sanitation crews have been working 12-hour shifts to melt away over 67 million pounds of snow, but the frigid temperatures are creating additional challenges like water main breaks. Alternate side parking has been suspended through Tuesday to provide some relief, though this is not ideal for those with lower cars who want clean parking lanes.

  • On Saturday night, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the 14th cold-related death in New York City.
  • The extreme cold weather has persisted in New York City for nearly a week, with temperatures remaining below freezing.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the opening of new single-room warming shelter units in response to the extreme cold weather and 14 cold-related deaths.

Javier Lojan

The Acting Sanitation Commissioner of New York City, who has overseen the around-the-clock efforts to melt away over 67 million pounds of snow.

Ashley Pellet

A Manhattan resident who commented on the city's response to the extreme cold weather, noting that New Yorkers are used to dealing with these types of challenges.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure they're doing everything they can, but it's super unfortunate and honestly I'm not surprised, it's always been an issue, but it seems like it's getting a little bit better.”

— Ashley Pellet, Manhattan resident (abc7ny.com)

“It's one day at a time, you know. The first day it was a lot, it was beautiful. But now we're just kind of dealing with the aftermath, and the dirt and obviously the frigid temperatures. So, it's just a lot to handle. But I think as New Yorkers, we're used to this.”

— Ashley Pellet, Manhattan resident (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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