Dangerously Hot Temps, Air Quality Alert In Union County: Cooling Centers

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Dangerously hot conditions and an air quality alert have been issued for Union County this week.

An extreme heat warning has been issued for Union County from Monday through Tuesday night as heat index values up to 110 are possible, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

"The hottest temperatures and heat indices will occur on Monday and Tuesday. Low temperatures near 75 to 80 degrees and high humidity will not offer much relief from the heat at night," according to NWS.

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert Monday.

"A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases, and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can
be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors," according to the NWS.

Here is a look at the forecast for this week:

• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 109. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon.
• Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
• Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 79. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 97. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
• Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

To prepare for the heat, residents are recommended to take the following actions:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and 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.

Union County offers a number of cooling centers to keep cool:

Cranford

• Cranford Community Center – 220 Walnut Ave
  • Monday & Tuesday: 8:30am – 10:00pm

Elizabeth

• Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 10 pm
• Open Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
• Closed Sunday
  • Fred Erxleben Recreation Center – 513 Richmond Street
  • Mickey Walker Recreation Center – 860 Anna Street
  • Miller Evans Logan Recreation Center – 161-163 First Street
  • Peterstown Community Center – 418 Palmer Street
  • Elmora Racquet Club – 23 Fernwood Terrace

Fanwood

• Fanwood Police Department – 75 N Martine Ave
  • Call 908-322-5000

Linden

• Linden Public Library – 31 East Henry Street
  • Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
  • Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Fri: 9:30am – 5:00pm
  • Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• John T. Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Linden Multi-Purpose Center – 1025 John Street
  • Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 9:00pm

New Providence

• New Providence Municipal Library – 377 Elkwood Avenue
  • Monday – Tuesday: 10:00am – 8:30pm
  • Wednesday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
• DeCorso Community Center – 15 East Fourth Street
  • Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Plainfield (Sunday 6/22 – Thursday 6/26)

• Plainfield Senior Center – 400 East Front Street
  • 10:00am – 4:00pm
• Outdoor Cooling Center – Church Street & Front Street
  • 10:00am – 2:00pm

Rahway

• Rahway Recreation Center – 275 E. Milton Avenue
  • Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 9:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm

Roselle

• Amalfe Community Center – 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• 9:00am – 4:00pm

Roselle Park

• Casano Community Center – 314 Chestnut Street
  • 10:00am – 9:00pm

Scotch Plains (Monday, June 23, 2025)

• Scotch Plains Municipal Courtroom – 430 Park Avenue
  • 8:30am – 4:00pm
• Scotch Plains Public Library
  • Open now through 9:00pm

Summit (June 23-24)

• Summit Free Public Library – 75 Maple Street
  • 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Summit Community Center – 100 Morris Avenue
  • 4:00pm – 9:00pm
• City Hall – 512 Springfield Avenue
  • 8:00am – 4:30pm

Westfield

• Westfield Memorial Library – 550 E Broad St
  • Monday – Thursday: 9:30am – 8:30pm

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