Inside the Brooklyn Heat Dome: Prospect Park, Pop-Up Pools, and New Hustles

• Brooklyn saw its hottest day since 2016 on July 9, reaching 99°F.
• NYC Parks opened 15 pop-up cooling centers and seven temporary pools in Brooklyn.
• Local entrepreneurs report doubling sales on cold treats and portable AC units.

Heatwaves have become part of New York City’s summer fabric, but the July 2024 Brooklyn heat dome has elevated the season to new extremes. Prospect Park, the borough’s unofficial backyard, has morphed into a refuge, its shade-drenched paths and meadows dotted with picnickers clutching iced coffees and portable fans. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, bracing for the surge, installed seven temporary splash pools and expanded cooling center hours at the Brooklyn Public Library and Kingsborough Community College.

Small businesses across Brooklyn are simultaneously feeling the pressure and seizing the moment. At Ample Hills Creamery in Gowanus, lines snake out the door as summer specialties like “It Came from Gowanus” outsell past years’ records. Portable air conditioner vendors in Flatbush, including the locally-owned Brooklyn Cooling Supply, have seen a 120% jump in unit sales since the heat dome settled. Not to be outdone, a wave of pop-up “hydration stands”—offering everything from frozen fruit to cold brew on tap—has taken over sidewalks near subway stations and waterfronts.

For many New Yorkers, the financial opportunities presented by the heat are as real as the discomfort. “It’s hard work in this heat,” says Lisette Morales, who launched a frozen acai bowl cart in Williamsburg in early June. “But when the temperature climbs above 95, our sales double. People just want anything cold.” Meanwhile, side hustlers and gig workers are offering “fan delivery” and “cooling run” services via apps like TaskRabbit and Craigslist, ferrying ice, drinks, and air purifiers to sweltering apartments from Red Hook to Bushwick.

While the city’s public pools reach capacity by noon and subway platforms bake in subterranean heat, some Brooklynites are turning to luxury alternatives. Short-term rentals with central air on apps like Airbnb and Blueground have surged in price and demand, with Williamsburg penthouses and Dumbo lofts fetching two to three times their usual summer rates. Urban planners and climate activists, including members of the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance, warn that the growing frequency of heat domes puts vulnerable populations—especially the elderly and those without reliable AC—at risk, pushing calls for permanent cooling infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Brooklyn heat dome in July 2024?

The July 2024 heat dome was caused by a high-pressure system that trapped hot air over the city, blocking cooler fronts and preventing heat from dispersing. This meteorological event led to sustained temperatures near or above 95°F, peaking at 99°F in Brooklyn—well above average for early July.

How are local businesses benefiting from the heatwave?

Ice cream shops, portable AC vendors, and pop-up refreshment stands have reported sales increases between 100-120%. Service providers offering deliveries of cold goods, fans, and ice are also seeing spikes in demand, turning the extreme weather into a seasonal business opportunity.

What is the city doing to protect vulnerable residents?

NYC Parks and city agencies have opened 15 cooling centers and installed temporary pools in Brooklyn neighborhoods. Libraries and community centers are extending hours, while outreach teams are checking on seniors and unhoused residents to ensure access to cool indoor spaces during extreme heat.