Heat Wave Headed Montclair’s Way, Forecasters Say; Town Issues Warning

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair town officials are warning local residents not to underestimate a heat wave that weather forecasters predict will hit New Jersey this week.

A prolonged heat wave is expected to hit New Jersey starting Tuesday, with "dangerously high" temperatures slated to linger in the Garden State through the weekend. Tuesday will see temperatures across the state pushing into the 100s, with a heat advisory issued until Wednesday night for most of the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Read More: 'Dangerously High' Heat Wave To Slam NJ: What To Know

Noting the NWS heat advisory, the Montclair Department of Health issued its own warning on Tuesday, urging local residents to take precautions to stay safe in the heat.

There will be several cooling stations open in Montclair if the thermometer starts to rise, officials said. They include:

• Montclair Municipal Building Council Chamber, 205 Claremont Avenue, first floor - Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Montclair Public Library main branch, 50 South Fullerton Avenue - Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 to 6:00 PM
• Montclair Public Library Bellevue Avenue branch, 185 Bellevue Avenue - Monday: 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Tuesday:10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday:10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday:10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday: 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Saturday: 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Sunday: Closed

Montclair health officials said one of the keys to preventing heat-related health issues is to “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.” Other hot weather tips from Montclair health officials include:

Heat Safety

People of all ages are at risk for the deadly effects of heat. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause your body’s natural cooling system to become overworked and cause damage to your body.

The most serious heat related conditions are:

• Heat Exhaustion - Profuse sweating, Muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
• Heat Stroke - Is a medical emergency that can lead to disability or even death. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Sun Safety

High temperatures are not the only thing that you have to worry about during the summer. The sun’s rays known as Ultraviolet (UV) Light is a form of radiation that damages skin cells. Prolonged exposure can lead to Skin Cancer – which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The most dangerous form of skin cancer is Melanoma.

Anyone can develop skin cancer regardless of skin color if exposed to UV light for long periods of time. Indoor tanning also puts users at risk for skin cancer as well.

Early detection is key for skin color. If you notice any changes in existing moles or blemishes, contact your provider immediately.

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