Excessive Heat, Humidity Expected: Warning Issued For Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning for Morris County, as temperatures are expected to reach 95 degrees on both Thursday and Friday.

There is also a potential for strong to severe thunderstorms with a localized flash flood threat Thursday afternoon into the evening, according to the NWS.

The heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. on Thursday through 10 p.m. on Friday, all throughout Morris County. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 103 are expected, which means that the high temperatures and humidity may cause heat illnesses.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances," the NWS said.

Some tips to beat the heat:

• When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to 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 overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, and if experienced call 911.

In Morristown, the Morristown Town Hall Cooling Center will be open today and tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for anyone who may need it. Other cooling centers around the county can be found here.

Temperatures during the day both Thursday and Friday will reach the mid-90s, with the humidity making it feel hotter.

Here is a breakdown of this week's forecast:

• Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low of around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.