Excessive-Heat Forecast Prompts Morristown To Open Cooling Center

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown will open Town Hall as a cooling center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The town is preparing for the "excessive" heat that the National Weather Service forecasted for the next few days.

The National Weather Service's excessive-heat warning runs from noon Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday, but the agency predicts high temperatures Friday, as well.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the National Weather Service said in its warning. Overnight temperatures in the mid-70s will provide little relief from the heat, the agency said.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets shouldn't be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Here's the forecast for Morristown as of 10:50 a.m. Tuesday:

• Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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