Be Patient With Public Workers During Heat Wave: East Brunswick Mayor

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Officials on Tuesday issued a heat advisory across town as the brutal heat wave continues in New Jersey. The temperature in East Brunswick is expected to hit 97 on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

During this heat wave, many government and township employees are continuing their work serving the public. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen thanked them for their dedication while requesting residents to be patient with them.

Some of the township departments, like the DPW, Parks and Recreations have no option but to work through the heat wave, Cohen said.

He also thanked the garbage men for helping to keep streets clear of garbage. “I understand that many are leaving the job in the middle of the day, adding to some of our problems with garbage pickups.” Cohen said. It’s so incredibly brutal to work in these conditions.”

He asked the public to be patient with workers as continue to work during the heat wave.

Nineteen New Jersey counties, including Middlesex, are currently under a heat advisory through 8 p.m. as temperatures up to 96 degrees and heat indices ("feels-like" temperatures) can soar up to 104 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

A drought watch was issued in New Jersey Tuesday, with officials are urging residents and businesses to conserve water now or risk restrictions later.

New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued the drought watch on Tuesday. More: Drought Watch: NJ Asks Residents And Businesses To Conserve Water

"Stream flow and ground water levels are falling below normal for most of the state and some reservoirs are showing steep rates of decline as hot and dry conditions continue," LaTourette said in a news release.

"While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry and hot periods like New Jersey has been experiencing. If residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months."

Here's the forecast for the next few days:

• Tuesday night: Chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
• Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
• Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

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