Dangerous Heat Advisory in Effect

Written by Joseph M. Gerace and Jim Leggate.

Monday is going to be a scorcher.

And unfortunately, the rest of the week isn't looking a whole lot cooler.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through at least through Monday night—warning of heat index values up to 102 degrees.

This oppressive heat is expected to peak in the afternoon and early evening hours Monday, and the NWS is warning of possible exhaustion, fatigue, sunstroke and heat-related muscle cramps if protective action isn't taken.

Westwood, Hillsdale and Washington Township all have air-conditioned facilities available for anyone trying to beat the heat. The township has made the Jack Woods Senior Center available as a cooling center between 9 a.m. and noon. The Washington Township Library is also open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. 

The Westwood Library is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.

The Hillsdale Library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Residents can also stop by the borough hall and take advantage of the A.C. there.

"No one should be outside in this heat," Mayor Max Arnowitz said.

During the hot weather, the National Weather Service is recommending lightweight, loose fitting clothing and proper hydration, as well as frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas in an effort to combat the diabolical weather.

Children and the elderly are more likely to get heatstroke, which is caused when prolonged exposure to high temperatures causes body temperature to rise to 104 degrees or higher, according to the Mayo Clinic. High humidity—a hallmark of tristate area heat waves—only increases the risk.

“When your body overheats, you first may develop heat cramps. If you don't cool down, you may progress to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint,” according to the Mayo Clinic website. “Heatstroke occurs if your body temperature continues to rise. At this point, emergency treatment is needed. In a period of hours, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. These injuries get worse the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.”

Heat conditions aren't likely to subside throughout the next few days, either. Some predictions are calling for temperatures to rise from 95 degrees Monday and Tuesday to a week high of 97 on Thursday. 

The New Jersey area may see some nominal relief this weekend, however, as the temperature is expected to dip into the high 80s by Saturday or Sunday.

Corrected to reflect the Hillsdale Library's summer hours.