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On a typical summer night, outdoor seating would be a popular choice at Coogan's cafe in Washington Heights. But on a steamy Monday night, only one table of diners braved the heat.

"Being that it rained all summer, you got to enjoy the heat. You got to enjoy the heat," said one diner.

With temperatures topping 90 degrees, the Department of Health issued a heat advisory for the city Monday. DOH officials also opened hundreds of cooling centers in all five boroughs to help those without air conditioning stay safe.

"I'm a heart patient. I got to have something cool. I can't get overheated, it's very bad for me," said one senior citizen. "And there's always something to do, pleasant people to talk to."

"A lot of people are not fortunate enough to have places where they can be comfortable and survive this oppressive heat. It's a logical place for them to come," said another.

When air conditioning was not an option, some used traditional ways of cooling off.

"Very hot, but I'm drinking ice water and taking it easy," said one New Yorker.

A neighborhood ice cart also had steady business throughout the day.

For some subway riders, the hot weather came at the worst possible time. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority suspended 1 train service between 168th Street in Washington Heights and Dyckman Street after a ceiling collapse at the 181st Street station.

It forced many locals to stand in line for shuttle buses.

"It's too confusing, no good, no good," said one commuter. "MTA every day [takes] more money, more money, and look."

"It's beyond crowded, it's stuffy, there's no direction in how to get out of there. And you feel like you're trapped down there," said another. "And then you come upstairs - look at the line! And every bus you get on is going to be jam-packed."

Getting around town was not a problem for dedicated bikers like Kevin Green.

"By the time I reach home [it's] 52 miles," said Green. "It's great, it's dynamite."

Forecasters say the dangerous heat will continue through Tuesday, and MTA officials said it could be several days before 1 train service is back to normal.