Excessive Heat Warning Issued; Cooling Centers Open Across Morris County

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Extreme and unusual heat in the Morris County area has prompted an Excessive Heat Warning, effective from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Thursday, Sept. 7.

With temperatures in the 90s forecasted and heat indices approaching or above 102 degrees, cooling facilities in Morristown will be open to seniors and those experiencing homelessness seeking relief from the heat on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

According to Morristown officials, the town hall cooling center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday afternoon. Other cooling centers around the county can be found here.

Take a look at the upcoming forecast for this week:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 100. North wind around 5 mph.
• Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
• 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 91. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
• Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 70. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Morris County issues an Excessive Heat Warning when the National Weather Service forecasts daytime temperatures will reach 95 degrees by 11 a.m. on two or more consecutive days, or when heat indexes will reach 100 degrees on any given day.

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.