A National Weather Service heat advisory covering Union County, which includes Summit, remains in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, with forecasters calling it the most dangerous day of a heat wave expected to last through Friday, July 17.
Air temperatures are forecast in the upper 90s to near 100°F. Combined with high humidity, the heat index could reach between 100 and 109 degrees across northern New Jersey, according to the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, which issued parallel guidance Wednesday citing NWS data.
NWS meteorologist Jay Engle told NorthJersey.com that Wednesday was expected to be the worst day of the heat event, with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees across the region.
Older adults, young children, people without air conditioning, and those with chronic medical conditions face the greatest danger, the Morris County OEM said. The agency urged residents to check on elderly neighbors and anyone who may not have access to cooling.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
Summit-area residents who need relief from the heat can find cooling center locations through the statewide NJ 211 directory at nj211.org/nj-cooling-centers. To reach NJ 211 for heat assistance, call 2-1-1 or toll-free at 1-877-652-1148.
Residents can also contact their local police non-emergency line or municipal Office of Emergency Management for cooling shelter information. Morris County maintains a separate cooling center directory at morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Office-of-Emergency-Management/Cooling-Centers.
When to call 9-1-1
Anyone showing signs of heat-related illness needs immediate emergency help. Those signs include a body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot or red skin, a rapid, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
Thunderstorms and wildfire smoke
The NWS also forecasts a chance of isolated severe thunderstorms between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, with possible damaging wind gusts, small hail, and frequent lightning. Localized power outages and road closures are possible.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires may drift into the region beginning Wednesday night and linger through Friday or Saturday, according to the Morris County OEM advisory. People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease should monitor air quality and limit time outdoors if conditions worsen.
Residents can register for free emergency alerts through Smart 911 at smart911.com. For any heat-related emergency, call 9-1-1.
