Extreme Heat, Humidity Trigger Air Quality Alert In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Scorching temperatures and high humidity have triggered an air quality alert for Union County on Tuesday.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection(NJDEP) has issued a code orange air quality alert on Tuesday for North Central New Jersey.

"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," according to NJDEP.

An Extreme Heat Warning also remains in effect for Union County through 8 p.m. on Wednesday as heat index values up to 105 degrees are expected.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," according to the National Weather Service.

Precautionary actions include:

• Avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon and early evening hours
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Stay in an air-conditioned room
• Stay out of the sun
• Check up on relatives and neighbors
• Take extra precautions when outside
• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing
• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• 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! Call 911

Upcoming Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 104. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 104. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible.

Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.

Cooling Centers

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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