A dangerous heat wave in the Mid Atlantic and Northeast has triggered heat-related warnings while forcing local authorities to close schools.
The National Weather Service has issued Heat Advisories for the Philadelphia metro areas, portions of northern New Jersey, central Connecticut, southeastern Maine, eastern New Hampshire, and parts of eastern and southern Massachusetts. A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot and humid conditions are expected. The combination of hot temperatures and higher humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The National Weather Service encourages people in these areas to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. They also urge people to take extra precautions if they work or spend time outside, suggesting that people reschedule any strenuous activities to early morning or evening. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
People in and around these heat advisories should know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Do not forget about your pets. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency: call 911 if you know someone suffering.
Due to the extreme heat and humidity, schools are closed in a variety of areas. In Philadelphia, PA, schools will close at 12 noon today due to the heat. In New Jersey, Edgewater school district in Bergen County, Woodbridge Public Schools in Middlesex County, Trenton schools in Mercer County, Belmar, Matawan-Aberrdeen, and Manalapan-Englishtown schools in Monmouth County, Hillsborough schools in Somerset County, and Scotch Plains – Fanwood schools in Union County all plan to close early today too.
