MANHATTAN – Despite the intense heat gripping the Upper East Side, a community movie night in John Jay Park tonight went on as planned without any extra measures to keep neighbors safe in this dangerous heat.
During the movie, about two dozen families were seen sitting on blankets on top of the hot concrete tennis courts as stifling heat hung in the night air.
At 8pm, it felt like it was 96 degrees, as guests started arriving for the movie night event, but Upper East Site did not see any additional measures at ‘Movies Under the Stars‘ to help prevent any possible heat-related illnesses.
“During the heat wave, we want New Yorkers to safely enjoy our movie programs,” the Park’s Department wrote in a statement asking about any extra measures this afternoon.
“We advise arriving at sunset or a little before dusk, bringing handheld fans, wearing lightweight clothing, and drinking plenty of water.”
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The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for all of New York City– that means the feels-like temperature will exceed 105 degrees during the day.
Presented by the East 72nd Street Neighborhood Association in collaboration with Upper East Side Councilman Ben Kallos’ office, the outdoor movie screening started at 8:30pm and featured last year’s comedy hit ‘Bill and Ted Face the Music.’
The film stars Keanu Reeves in a follow-up on the slackers’ time-traveling adventures decades after the 1989 blockbuster ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ and their ‘Bogus Journey’ in 1991.
Organizers said everyone should bring their own chairs and arrive early to John Jay Park— at the corner of East 77th Street and Cherokee Place, between York Avenue and the FDR Drive— to make sure they got the spot they want.
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Free cookies would be provided during the screening courtesy of Butterfield Market, according to organizers. In this extreme heat, they’ll likely be served warm.
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