Cooling Centers Open In Cherry Hill As Severe Heat Takes Hold

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cooling centers have opened in Cherry Hill as temperatures are expected to soar in the next few days. A Heat Advisory is in effect for South Jersey from 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, according to the National Weather Service.

“Over the next two days, we are expecting sweltering temperatures and with heat index levels reaching over 100. It is critical that everyone remember to check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors during days like these when there is extreme heat to combat,” Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said. “When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, remember to stay inside as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and contact a physician if you or a loved one is showing signs of heat stress.”

Cooling centers are open at the Cherry Hill Mall (10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and the Cherry Hill Public Library (9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Free fans will also be available through the county to Camden County residents ages 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less. To request a fan or to obtain more information, please call the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at 856-858-3220.

Read more here: 104-Degree Heat Already? Timeline For Severe NJ Weather

“The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible,” Cherry Hill police said Monday morning. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

The heat index is expected to be between 100 and 104 degrees due to temperatures in the lower to mid 90s and dewpoints in the lower to mid 70s. The highest heat indexes are expected Monday and Tuesday afternoons, and the dangerous heat and humidity is likely to last into Wednesday. This is the forecast from the National Weather Service for this week:

Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 100. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following:

• Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.

• Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
• Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
• Maintain a normal diet.
• Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
• Do not leave older people, children or pets alone in cars.
• Make sure your pets also have plenty of fresh drinking water.
• The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get to immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency, dial 911.