Some Essex County Schools Close Early As Heat Advisory Continues

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — With temperatures soaring into the 90s this week — and a heat index expected to reach as high as 104 — New Jersey residents are being told to check on seniors and stay hydrated.

A heat advisory is in effect in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, eastern Passaic, and Union counties until 8 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service said. (See the map of locations here.)

Schools in West Orange, Belleville, East Brunswick, and some in South Jersey announced that they'd close early certain days.

The NWS said:

Precautions

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.

The NWS forecast for northeast New Jersey is here.

School Closings

While many schools in North Jersey won't be reopening until Wednesday or Thursday, Some South Jersey schools near Philadelphia that have reopened have already announced early dismissals Tuesday due to the anticipated heat. Gloucester Township, Camden and Winslow school districts in Camden County all announced the first days of classes for students will be four-hour sessions.

Hurricane

It's hurricane season, and New Jerseyans know the weather can change drastically from warm to chilly in early September. But are those days over?

The National Hurricane Center expects Tropical Storm Lee to become a hurricane, but current models predict it staying at sea. However, since it's more than a week away from the East Coast, anything can change.

Track Hurricane Lee here.

What are your September plans and weather hopes? Tell Patch or comment below.

Editor Nicole Rosenthal contributed to this report.