Where To Cool Down In Passaic County Amid Heat Wave

WAYNE, NJ — As extreme heat and humidity continue, communities around Passaic County have opened cooling centers for residents who need an air-conditioned reprieve from the brutal summer heat wave.

Temperatures reached 93 in Wayne on Thursday and forecasters predict a high near 95 on Friday, with a predicted heat index of 103 degrees or higher.

Forecasters downgraded the excessive heat advisory in Passaic County to a heat advisory, as the heat index is expected to stay under 105 degrees Friday. The heat advisory continues into Saturday.

"Oppressive heat and humidity will build in the area through Saturday," said forecasters with the National Weather Service office in New York.

People are at a higher risk of a heat-related illness at these temperatures and heat index levels, especially if they are working outside, forecasters said. Heat stroke can be life-threatening.

When it gets this hot, officials open locations for people to cool down and rest. Cooling centers are each run by individual municipalities or organizations, and have been activated around the county from July 27-29. They are listed on the Passaic County website.

Locations for summer 2023 include the Clifton Public Library (Piaget Avenue and Lyall Road locations), the Haledon Senior Center, the Hawthorne Public Library, the North Haledon Public Library, the Paterson Public Library, the Ringwood Public Library, the West Milford Township Library, and the Woodland Public Library at Berkeley College.

Click here for a list of cooling centers in Passaic County, hours, and contact information.