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New York City Orders Thermostats In Buildings Over 100 Feet To 78 Degrees During Heat Wave

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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered tall buildings to adjust their thermostats to 78 degrees as the city prepares for this weekend’s heat wave.

De Blasio declared a heat emergency Thursday evening, signing an executive order that all buildings over 100 feet turn thermostats up until Sunday evening to conserve energy during what is expected to be a 98-degree weekend, the New York Post reported.

“A heat wave is on the way, New York City. Take it seriously — we could see some of the highest temperatures in years,” de Blasio said in a tweet.

People look out at the East River on an unseasonably warm afternoon on September 25, 2017 in New York City. Despite officially entering fall last week, New York City and much of the East Coast has experienced unseasonably warm weather over the past few days. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

People look out at the East River on an unseasonably warm afternoon on September 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The declaration includes exceptions for apartments and commercial spaces like movie theaters and shops, as well as equipment that must operate under specific temperatures.

The Post asked de Blasio if he has the authority to issue such an order, and the mayor said he didn’t know.

“This is uncharted territory for me because this is the first time we’ve had this level of heat in my administration,” de Blasio told the Post. (RELATED: De Blasio Announces ‘Meatless Mondays’ To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions)

“I will always be careful since my lawyers are not present about exactly whether we can order or whether it’s encouraged or what rules we can use,” he added.

Temperatures are predicted to hit as high as 98 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, but high humidity is expected to make the heat more intense.

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