NYC Mayor Unveils Cold Weather Safety Plan

Expanded efforts to connect homeless to warmth and safety as temperatures drop up to 20 degrees this weekend.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced expanded efforts to protect homeless residents and keep the city safe as temperatures are expected to drop sharply on Sunday evening. The city will increase mobile warming outreach units, open warming centers, and deploy hundreds of outreach workers to encourage people to come indoors. The Department of Sanitation is also preparing for possible light snow and icy conditions.

Why it matters

With an already frigid winter, the city is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable residents during the latest cold snap. Protecting the homeless population from dangerous temperatures is a critical public health issue, and the city's coordinated response aims to connect people to warmth, shelter, and essential supplies.

The details

The city's WARM (Winter Access, Relief and Medical) mobile units will provide clinical consultations, distribute supplies like blankets and warm clothing, and transport unsheltered residents to shelters or warming centers. Warming centers will be opened at Department of Education schools, and additional warming buses will be deployed. Over 500 outreach workers will focus efforts in areas with high concentrations of homelessness. The Department of Sanitation has issued a Winter Operations Advisory and has over 700 salt spreaders ready to address any snow or icy conditions.

  • The temperature drop of up to 20 degrees is expected to begin early Sunday evening, March 1.
  • The expanded cold weather safety efforts will run through Saturday, March 14.

The players

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the expanded cold weather safety plan.

Julia Kerson

The Deputy Mayor for Operations in New York City, overseeing the coordination of city agencies and community partners in the cold weather response.

New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

The city agency responsible for snow and ice removal, issuing a Winter Operations Advisory and deploying over 700 salt spreaders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Warmer weather is finally on the horizon, but temperatures will drop sharply Sunday night and remain low through the start of the week. After an already frigid winter, we know what works to keep New Yorkers safe - and we are building on those efforts now. Every New Yorker deserves warmth and dignity. Be safe. Check in on your neighbors. And if you see someone who needs help, please call 311.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (Mirage News)

“City agencies, workers and community partners have been working side by side all season to keep our neighbors warm, our streets clear and our city moving. This cold snap requires the same coordination and vigilance. From deploying hundreds of salt spreaders to de-ice our streets, sidewalks and bike lanes to mobilizing hundreds of homeless outreach workers, we are prepared. As temperatures drop, please be prepared, be safe and be on the lookout for emergency alerts.”

— Julia Kerson, Deputy Mayor for Operations (Mirage News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.