Mayor Zohran Mamdani was roasted online for urging New Yorkers to set their air conditioners to a balmy 78 degrees as a punishing heat wave wallops the Big Apple — threatening to send temps soaring to 100 degrees for the first time since 2012.
“New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool,” Hizzoner wrote in a post on X. “Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can.”
Many balked at the temperature recommendation.
“78 degrees??? Welcome to communism people! Hope you enjoy!” wrote Barstool’s founder, Dave Portnoy, who recently said he’d consider running against Mamdani for mayor.
Conservative media figure Bonchie sarcastically asked, “Do you feel the warmth of collectivism yet?”
Locals were less than chill about the mayor’s advice as well.
“As a New Yorker I’ll be setting my AC to 62 degrees for the foreseeable future as a direct retaliation to your authority,” one replied.
“I have texted all my coworkers who voted for Zohran to send me a photo of their A/C set to 78,” another wrote.
Several questioned how they’re expected to suffer in their nearly 80-degree homes while Times Square is illuminated 24/7, soaking up massive amounts of energy.
“My Mayor is Muslim. My Bagel is Jewish. My Christian Dior. Thermostat set to 74. Or lower,” Moshe Spern, president of the United Jewish Teachers, posted in a play of the Knicks in four chant. “Only a Communist believes distribution of wealth also means distribution of air conditioning. Send thermostat pics at Gracie and City hall please!!”
Mamdani claimed city buildings will abide by the 78-degree rule in his post.
“Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment,” he wrote.
“A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let’s ease demand — and get through the heat — together.”
The Department of Energy suggests that during the summer, people should keep their thermostats at 75 degrees to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and to raise the temperature when nobody is home.
Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, also advised New Yorkers to set their AC to 78 degrees while a heat advisory was in effect in July 2023.
Temperatures in the five boroughs are expected to be the hottest on Thursday and Friday, potentially hitting highs of 100 degrees, according to AccuWeather.
