Hot Tubs Deployed to Melt Snow in NYC

For the first time in almost five years, New York City has rolled out large hot tubs to help manage the snow from Sunday’s intense winter storm.

Officials from the city announced on Wednesday that eight “snow melters” were activated on Tuesday morning to assist in clearing roads, sidewalks, and bus stops, making it easier for pedestrians and businesses as they navigate the lingering snow, which is expected to stick around due to the cold temperatures.

Javier Rojan, the acting health secretary, mentioned, “The snow hasn’t melted at all, and we want to ensure there’s enough space for everyone to move around.” He expects noticeable changes within a few days.

These hot tubs can melt around 60 to 120 tons of snow every hour and are stationed in places like Broad Street and Water Street in Lower Manhattan. Here, they manage substantial snow piles—some as big as a football field—at a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

The melted snowwater is then funneled directly into the sewer system with approval from the Department of Environmental Protection. Rojan pointed out that the selected locations for this operation depend on the permits acquired by the Department of Sanitation.

The last time these hot tubs were fully utilized was in February 2021, following a major nor’easter that blanketed the city with snow.

Officials noted that the use of the tubs had also been restricted in February 2022.

Winter Storm Fern brought nearly 15 inches of snow to various city areas, with Central Park receiving about 11.4 inches and Washington Heights getting 14.9 inches, marking the first significant snow since 2021.

Among the 27 snow melters stored by the Department of Sanitation, eight are located in Inwood and Lower Manhattan, while others can be found in areas like Orchard Beach in the Bronx, East New York, Red Hook in Brooklyn, Maspeth and Queensboro Hill in Queens, and South Beach in Staten Island.

Rojan anticipated that these hot tubs would be active in the city for “several weeks.” Forecasts indicate that another round of snow this weekend could extend their utility.

“The effectiveness of our efforts over the next few days will largely hinge on the storms we face this weekend,” he added, hinting at some uncertainty about the snow management progress.