need to see triple digit temperatures to know how hot it was. they felt it. >> i'm melting. >> this is very hot. we're not used to this. >> reporter: so hot in new jersey a state of emergency is declared. while in new york city, con edison concerned the customers will crank up air in their homes and stress the system. for those living without air conditioning, alfred lives without it in a six-floor walkup apartment. >> the elevator doesn't work. >> reporter: we have the heat and now we have to walk six flights up to your apartment. >> reporter: city officials don't keep records on how many people there are like alfred without air conditioners suffering in the heat. >> you can come in. >> reporter: they do know when the temperatures hit the hundreds living in apartments like this can be dangerous.