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

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

An excessive heat warning for northwestern Burlington 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 Camden 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.

Burlington County has several cooling centers, where people can beat the extreme heat for free. All of the coolings centers are branches of the Burlington County Library: Bordentown, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Main Branch (Westampton), Maple Shade, Pemberton, Pinelands Branch (Medford) and Riverton.

NJ 211 has a list of cooling stations around the state. 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 northwestern Burlington County:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind around 10 mph.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.