Princeton Opens Cooling Centers As Extreme Heat Warning Takes Effect Wednesday

PRINCETON, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Mercer County and surrounding areas from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach as high as 107 degrees.

The warning covers Mercer, Camden, Gloucester and northwestern Burlington counties in New Jersey. The National Weather Service said heat indices will climb into the mid-90s on Tuesday before peaking on Wednesday.

The Princeton Health Department is urging residents to stay cool, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on older adults, young children and neighbors who may need assistance. Officials also warned against leaving children or pets in vehicles, even briefly, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

Residents who notice signs of heat stroke — including confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or hot, red skin — should call 911 immediately, officials said.

The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and limiting strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours. The agency also noted that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for anyone working outdoors during the warning period.

Princeton is offering several cooling center locations for residents:

• The Princeton Police Department lobby is open 24/7.

• The Suzanne Patterson Center at the Center for Modern Aging is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Princeton Public Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Residents without air conditioning or shelter can call 211 or visit their county or state health department website for help locating relief from the heat, according to the National Weather Service.

More information and additional cooling center resources are available at princetonnj.gov/codered.

Here's the forecast for the next few days:

• Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 104. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
• Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Patchy smoke. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
• Friday Night: A chance of showers after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

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