Extreme Heat Warning In Lawrence Through Saturday, Cooling Stations Open

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the region, with dangerously high temperatures and heat index values expected to persist through the weekend, prompting Lawrence Township officials to open cooling stations for residents.

The warning is in effect from noon Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday for portions of northern Delaware, central and southern New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service. Heat index values are expected to reach between 100 and 110 degrees each day, with the hottest conditions forecast for Thursday and Friday. Overnight lows in the mid-70s to low 80s are not expected to offer much relief.

Township officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and check on older adults, young children, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Three cooling stations are available for residents without access to air conditioning:

• Lawrence Township Senior Center — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2.

• Lawrence Township Police Headquarters lobby — open 24 hours a day for the duration of the heat wave.

• Mercer County Library — during regular operating hours.

Officials noted that cooling stations are intended only as a temporary refuge from the heat and are not shelters or locations offering food or entertainment.

Residents experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should move to a cool location immediately and seek medical attention. Officials urged anyone who becomes unconscious, confused, or stops sweating during extreme heat to call 911.

The National Weather Service also warned against leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles, noting that car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that outdoor workers take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening hours.

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

Here's the forecast for the next few days:

• Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 109. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 79. West wind around 5 mph.
• Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Independence Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
• Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

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