'Dangerous' Heat In Camden County: Where To Stay Cool Without Spending Money

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — It definitely still feels like summer in Camden County, but there are ways to beat the scorching heat.

An excessive heat warning for the county is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, when weather officials expect heat index values up to 105 degrees. The heat index measures how hot it feels.

These are "dangerously hot conditions" where heat-related illness significantly increases, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning extends to Gloucester, Mercer and northwestern Burlington counties, along with portions of Eastern Pennsylvania.

There's also a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms late Wednesday afternoon into the evening, the National Weather Service says.

Camden County has dozens of cooling centers, where people can beat the extreme heat for free. Select libraries, town halls and community centers are available during select hours. The City of Camden also has nine spray pools open 12-5 p.m. every day this summer.

All Camden County cooling centers are listed here. Hours and availability may vary, so it's a good idea to call a cooling center's listed number before going.

In Wednesday's heat warning, the National Weather Service advises the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay in an air-conditioned room.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
• Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Cooler temperatures are in Thursday's forecast.

Here's the National Weather Service's latest forecast for Camden County:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and small hail this afternoon. Hot with highs in the mid 90s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms, mainly in the evening. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and small hail in the evening. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of rain 40 percent.
• Thursday: Partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy. Not as warm. Humid with highs in the upper 70s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the mid 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Friday: Partly sunny. A chance of showers in the morning. Humid with highs in the upper 70s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.