Edison Opens Cooling Centers As Extreme Heat Warning Continues

EDISON, NJ — Edison Township has opened cooling centers Wednesday through 8 p.m. as an extreme heat warning remains in effect across the region.

The National Weather Service extreme heat warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach up to 107 degrees.

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The warning covers western Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties.

The township's cooling centers are open at the following locations:

• Main Library, 340 Plainfield Ave., Edison

• North Edison Branch Library, 777 Grove Ave., Edison

• Clara Barton Branch Library, 141 Hoover Ave., Edison

Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events, according to the National Weather Service. Heat index values in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees are possible again Thursday.

The National Weather Service is urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Officials also warned against leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles, noting that car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

Residents planning to be outdoors are advised to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Heat stroke is a medical emergency; anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded area, and 911 should be called immediately.

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

• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m. Patchy smoke. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Thursday: Widespread smoke, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Thursday Night: Widespread smoke, mainly before 9 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
• Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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