Cooling Centers Open Wednesday In East Brunswick As Extreme Heat Warning Issued

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — An extreme heat warning remains in effect through Saturday evening, and East Brunswick residents looking for relief have several air-conditioned options around town, according to local officials.

Places to cool off include:

• East Brunswick Ice Arena

• Crystal Springs Family Waterpark

• East Brunswick Public Library

• East Brunswick Senior Center

• Local houses of worship

• Local movie theaters

The National Weather Service's extreme heat warning is in effect from noon Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday for Eastern and Western Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Ocean and Southeastern Burlington counties. Heat index values are expected to reach between 100 and 110 degrees each day, with the hottest conditions forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Overnight temperatures won't bring much relief either, with lows only dropping into the mid-70s to low 80s, according to the weather service. Combined with multiple days of near record-breaking heat, forecasters warned the conditions will compound the risk of heat-related illness. As Patch has reported statewide, the heat is being driven by a "heat dome" — a sprawling area of high pressure that traps heat and humidity in place — that could bring the region its first stretch of back-to-back triple-digit days in years.

Read Patch's full statewide coverage of the heat wave here.

Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and anyone without reliable air conditioning during this stretch of dangerous heat.

The National Weather Service offered additional safety guidance:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces and stay out of direct sun when possible.

• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles; car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

• Limit strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening, and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

• Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone shows symptoms.

• Residents without air conditioning or shelter can call 211 or visit their county or state health department website for help finding relief from the heat.

Here’s the forecast for the next few days:

• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph, becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 81.
• Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.
• Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78.

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