Cooling Centers Will Open In Howell For Respite From Heat Wave

HOWELL, NJ — The township is opening cooling centers at the Municipal Building main meeting room and the Senior Center for any residents who don't have air conditioning or who lose power.

The centers will be open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., though hours and dates are subject to change if necessary, the township Facebook site announced.

Residents can also charge cell phones or laptops there.

The Howell Municipal Complex is located at 4567 Route 9 north. The Senior Center is located at 251 Preventorium Road.

A return of dangerously hot conditions is expected Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service, with maximum heat index values of 100 to 104 degrees during the day, and low temperatures staying above 70 degrees.

These heat index values can cause heat related stress particularly among at-risk populations. Those especially vulnerable include elderly, children, those with pre-existing conditions, especially if they live near urban centers without air conditioning, the weather service said.