Cooling Center Opens In Long Valley; Scorching Weather In Forecast

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Need to beat the heat in Long Valley? As temperatures soar to dangerous levels, cooling stations in Long Valley and throughout Morris County provide some comfort to people.

A heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service for the Long Valley area for Wednesday, Sept. 6, due to forecasted hot temperatures and high humidity.

Heat index values up to 103 are expected in the area.

According to Long Valley officials, the Washington Township Public Library at 37 East Springtown Road will be open today from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for those needing a place to cool down. Other cooling centers around the county can be found here.

As of 9 a.m., there are 15 New Jersey counties under a heat advisory. Heat index values as high as 103 degrees are possible through 8 p.m. Wednesday in Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties; temperatures near 100 are expected in Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex and Union through 8 p.m. Thursday, forecasters said.

• Read more: Hottest Day Of The Year As Temps Peak In NJ Wednesday, Forecasters Say

“Simply put, the next several days will be dangerously hot,” the National Weather Service said. “During a heat wave, practice heat safety wherever you are. Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable!”

Take a look at the upcoming forecast for this week:

• Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 95.
• Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
• Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind is coming south at around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 71. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 71. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Residents have been advised to drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid direct sunlight, and check on family and neighbors. Under no circumstances should young children or pets be left unattended in vehicles.

Here are some tips to beat the heat:

• When possible, reschedule strenuous activities for the early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone experiencing heat exhaustion should be relocated to a cool, shaded environment. Heat stroke is a medical emergency; if you encounter it, call 911 immediately.