Tips to beat brutal, stifling NJ heat — one of 2020’s hottest days Monday

With very hot weather in the forecast for the next several days, it's a good idea to take extra precautions that keep you cool.

“Drink plenty of water, spend time inside air-conditioned places and try not to over-exert yourself in the heat and humidity. Also, take time to check on the elderly and young children to ensure they are safe during this hot and humid weather,” then-Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd told New Jersey 101.5 in 2013. It's still good advice.'

Our own Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow warns:

"Sunday was Newark Airport's 18th 90-degree day of the year, and the 13th in July alone. (17 and 12 at ACY.) The heat ramps up Monday, which looks like one of the hottest days of the year. Tuesday will be ferociously hot too (and more humid), before a cold front delivers thunderstorms and then more reasonable temperatures for the second half of the week."

Serious health complications can result from high heat. Heat exhaustion is the body's response to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating. Those most prone to heat exhaustion include the elderly and those with high blood pressure. Symptoms include: Heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea and shallow breathing.

A list of New Jersey cooling centers can be found at here. Residents can also contact their local or county offices of emergency management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations, or call 211.

This article was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for 2020.