Mayor Zohran Mamdani Confirms Deadly Cold Has Killed Nearly 20

Extreme frigid temperatures have led to the death of 18 people across New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed. Since late January, the city has been gripped in a cold snap, including 13 days of temperatures of 0C (32F) or below, one of the longest stretches of sub-zero weather New York has seen in six decades since a major snowstorm.According to Mamdani, certain days in New York have been colder than the continent of Antarctica. "Since Friday's press conference, one additional New Yorker lost their life on the streets of our city as a result of this cold snap. The total lives lost is now 18. Each life lost is a tragedy, and we will continue to hold their families in our thoughts," he said.He also urged those experiencing homelessness to head to a shelter one of the 1,400 placements that have been made into shelters and safe havens. Apart from this, 33 New Yorkers have also been involuntarily transported for their safety in these conditions. "Until temperatures warm up, I ask all of you in this room and outside of it to please continue to take additional precautions. Stay safe, stay indoors, and please, New York, let's keep looking out for one another," the mayor said.The newly minted Mayor also said that across this past Friday and Saturday nights, 560 New Yorkers used Health + Hospitals warming centers and nearly 300 New Yorkers used a Department of Social Services warming vehicle.READ MORE: US Cardiologist Reveals When You Are More Prone To Heart AttacksOn 27 January, Mamdani noted that at least 10 of the people who had died were found outdoors. The cause behind the other deaths remain known."We have been working hard to keep New Yorkers safe, and we will continue to do so. Because it is not forecast to be above 32 degrees [Fahrenheit] until tomorrow, and 35 degrees is hardly balmy weather," he said.Experts Recommend Drinking More Water During WintersWinter is usually associated with hot drinks, cozy layers and fewer reminders to sip water. According to Dr. Swadesh Kumar, Cluster Head – Emergency and Trauma Care & Casualty, Gurugram, this mindset is exactly where the problem begins. “People assume that because they’re not sweating or feeling thirsty, their body doesn’t need as much water. That’s a misconception,” he told Healthandme.During cold spells, thirst signals are naturally suppressed. At the same time, the body continues to lose fluids through dry air, indoor heating and even breathing. “The loss is gradual and silent, which makes winter dehydration harder to spot,” Dr Kumar added. Low fluid intake doesn’t just cause weakness, it can aggravate underlying health problems. When the body is dehydrated, blood becomes thicker, increasing the risk of clot formation. This is particularly dangerous for older adults and people with heart disease.Kidneys are also affected. Reduced hydration puts extra strain on them, sometimes leading to acute kidney injury. “We see patients with palpitations, fainting spells and extreme weakness, only to later realize dehydration is the root cause,” Dr Kumar notes.Winter illnesses further complicate the situation. Fever, rapid breathing and certain medications increase fluid loss. Yet many people intentionally avoid drinking water to reduce bathroom visits in the cold.“This combination is especially risky for children and the elderly,” Dr. Kumar says. Children depend on caregivers for hydration reminders, while older adults naturally feel less thirsty. Both groups can slip into dehydration quickly during winter infections.Simple Habits Can Prevent Serious RiskDoctors advise treating hydration as a routine, not a response to thirst. Warm water, soups, stews and herbal drinks are practical winter options. Fruits with high water content also help, even when appetite is low.“Monitor urine color, limit excess caffeine and be extra careful if you have a chronic condition,” Dr Kumar advises.The cold wave is a reminder that dehydration isn’t just a summer problem. Even in winter, the body needs adequate water to function, and ignoring that need can quietly turn into a medical emergency.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Confirms Deadly Cold Has Killed Nearly 20

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