Extreme Heat Continues In Morristown, Cooling Center Opens

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Need a way to beat the heat? Morristown's Town Hall will operate as a cooling center until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Temperatures will reach up to 96 degrees Wednesday, with a heat index as high as 104, according to the National Weather Service. The agency placed Morristown under an excessive heat warning until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The National Weather Service recommends the following:

"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 should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. 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! Call 9 1 1."

Forecasters expect some of the heat to subside after Wednesday, with a high of 83 degrees expected Thursday. Here's the National Weather Service's forecast:

• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 104. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 83. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Thursday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 3am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 66. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

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