Heat Wave Hits Bloomfield; Cooling Center Hours Extended: Update

This article was updated on July 22

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — With high temperatures expected to linger through the weekend, Bloomfield is extending the hours for its cooling center until at least Monday, July 25, officials said.

Weather forecasters are calling for the wave of "dangerously hot and humid conditions" will continue throughout at least the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, with temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s. The highest heat indices are expected to be felt on Sunday with temperatures pushing the 100s in some regions. Read More: NJ Heatwave Timeline Update: When Will Temps Cool Down?

Bloomfield town officials issued their own warning on Wednesday, urging local residents to take precautions to stay safe in the heat.

There will be a cooling station open in Bloomfield if the thermometer starts to rise, officials said:

"On Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Civic Center at 84 Broad Street will be open. Water bottles will be available on site. We will closely monitor the heat index to add additional days as needed."

Those hours were extended as the heat wave dragged on, officials noted in an update:

"The cooling center at 84 Broad St. Civic Center will remain open until 9 p.m. this evening, 7/21/22, and will be open 7/22 thru 7/25 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Water bottles will be available on site. We will closely monitor the heat index to add additional days as needed."

"With temperatures expected to approach 100 degrees, it is not safe for anyone to be outside more than a few moments, and we are taking measures to ensure that individuals without shelter can cool off in the Civic Center during the hottest parts of the day," Mayor Michael Venezia said.

"The National Weather Service recommends that residents stay indoors if possible when the sun is at its strongest and burns, and heat strokes are more likely to occur," Venezia added.

Bloomfield officials offered local residents some advice for surviving the hot weather. It included:

"All age groups are at risk for heat stroke. Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions if they must be outdoors, including wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and staying adequately hydrated. The heat index will make the temperature feel closer to 110 degrees on those days. Leaving a child or pet in a locked vehicle is not okay, even for a moment, as temperatures can rise quickly. It is also imperative to lock all parked cars so children cannot accidentally lock themselves inside while playing games like hiding and seek."

Town officials said residents can call the Bloomfield Police Department non-emergency number at (973) 680-4141 if they need accommodations, such as transportation to the Civic Center or police department.

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