NYC Mayor Mamdani Mobilizes City for Extreme Cold

New York sees coldest night of winter as mayor urges residents to stay inside and look out for each other

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani spent the weekend raising awareness about the brutal cold temperatures hitting New York City, urging residents to stay indoors and check on their neighbors. Saturday night marked the coldest night of winter so far, with temperatures dropping into the low single digits across the five boroughs. Mamdani visited first responders, directed agencies to increase visibility of warming centers, and deployed additional outreach workers to connect homeless individuals with shelter and safety.

Why it matters

The extreme cold weather poses a serious threat to public health and safety, especially for vulnerable populations like the homeless. Mamdani's efforts to mobilize the city's resources and encourage community support are crucial to protecting New Yorkers during this winter weather crisis.

The details

Mamdani visited Staten Island firefighters and emergency medical workers on Saturday to discuss how residents should prepare for the freezing temperatures. He urged anyone still outside to 'come inside' as 'being outdoors for even a brief period of time can be lethal.' The mayor directed city agencies to increase signage and labeling of warming centers, which now total 10 locations across the five boroughs. Mamdani's administration also deployed over 150 additional outreach workers to supplement the 400 already working to connect homeless individuals with shelter.

  • Saturday night marked the coldest night of winter so far, with temperatures dropping into the low single digits.
  • The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold warning in the tri-state area lasting through Sunday afternoon.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who took office in January 2026 and has been actively responding to the extreme cold weather impacting the city.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The Manhattan Borough President, who accompanied Mamdani on a visit to address the cold weather crisis.

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What they’re saying

“If you are still outside, please come inside. Being outdoors for even a brief period of time can be lethal.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (amNewYork)

“This is some of the coldest weather that our city has seen. What we're doing at this time is doubling down on all of our efforts to connect any New Yorker who's outside with shelter, with warmth, and with safety.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (amNewYork)

What’s next

The mayor had no events or appearances on his public schedule Sunday, but is expected to continue his efforts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers as the extreme cold weather persists.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's proactive response to the brutal winter temperatures underscores his commitment to prioritizing public safety and supporting the city's most vulnerable residents during this weather crisis.