Here are 10 apps to help you beat the heat
People take in the sun at Washington Square Park Credit: People take in the sun at Washington Square Park (Getty)
With the city in the midst of a scorching heat wave, New Yorkers will be looking for ways to stay cool under the brutal sun. This year, technology has the answer.
We’ve rounded up 10 apps that will help you find the best spots to stay cool, figure out the best way to plan your day around the heat, get a cool treat when you need one and more.
First Aid by American Red Cross
Available on: iPhone, Android
Price: Free
Description: This app can’t be beat if you’re looking for specific tips on how to deal with the heat wave, how to identify heatstroke, and what to do to treat heat-related illnesses (along with a ton of other useful health information).
NYC Water
Available on: iPhone, iPad, Android
Price: Free
Description: Out and about sweating under the brutal sun and on the brink of dehydration? Open up this app and it will point you to the nearest city-run water fountain, as well as a schedule of when they will be open.
Water Your Body
Available on: iPhone, iPad, Android
Price: 99 cents
Description: With the mercury rising, it’s more important than ever to get enough water. This app will build a custom hydration plan for you — and track your progress — to make sure you’re getting enough liquids and staying healthy.
Army Survival Guide
Available on: Versions available for iPhone, Android
Price: Ranges from free to $4.99
Description: Summers in the city will test your mettle and endurance, so what better way to prepare than with a survival guide based on techniques used in the military?
AllergyCast
Available on: iPhone, Android
Price: Free
Description: For allergy sufferers, knowing the pollen count is just as important as knowing the temp, and this app will give you both. Get the day’s details on allergens in the city and track your symptoms. It’s sponsored by Zyrtec, but the promotional sides of it are easy enough to ignore.
Poncho
Available on: All phones, email
Price: Free
Description: Not an app but a notification service, Poncho will send you cute, customized texts and/or emails with the day’s forecast and what you might need to know about the weather – all with a personality that will give you a reason to smile in the morning.
Ice Cream Finder
Available on: iPhone, iPad
Price: Free
Description: There’s nothing better than a cool treat on a hot day, and this app will find the closest locations to you that are serving up ice cream and similar delicacies.
Mixologist Drink and Cocktail Recipes
Available on: iPhone, Android
Price: Free, with 99-cent Summer Drinks upgrade
Description: Dying for a cold drink but don’t want to leave your air-conditioned apartment and head to the bar? This app’s new Summer Drinks list (99 cents) has recipes for frozen, tropical, fresh juice drinks and more that will help you feel refreshed in the comfort of your pad.
BeaT the Heat
Available on: iPhone
Price: $2.99
Description: Using information from the World Health Organization along with your skin type, location, weather conditions, the UV index and more, this app will calculate the maximum exposure to the sun you can take in before your skin sustains damage.
Waterkeeper Swim Guide
Available on: iPhone, Android
Price: Free
Description: On a blistering day in the city, what’s better than a swim? This app will guide you to the nearest beaches and give you everything you need to know about them: schedules, the day’s events, swim conditions, water quality and more.
(With Tatiana Baez)
