Edison Cooling Centers Open Wednesday As Extreme Heat Warning Issued

EDISON, NJ — Edison Township will open cooling centers for residents beginning Wednesday, as an extreme heat warning takes effect across much of central New Jersey, according to a township announcement.

The cooling centers, open to Edison residents only, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at three locations:

• Minnie B. Veal Community Center, 1070 Grove Ave.
• Edison Main Library, 340 Plainfield Ave.
• Clara Barton Library, 141 Hoover Ave.

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The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning 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 offer much relief, 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.

Township officials are urging residents to check on elderly neighbors, young children and anyone without reliable air conditioning, and to stay cool and hydrated.

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 and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 104. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. West wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 79.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m, then a chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.