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.

Fair Lawn has several air-conditioned facilities available for residents who need to beat the heat. The Fair Lawn Community Center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Fair Lawn Library opens at 10 a.m. each day and is open until 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. Tuesday and 5 p.m. Friday. 

The Saddle Brook Library is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday. The Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fair Lawn's Memorial Pool is also available to residents from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. Residents who don't have a pool pass can still get in for $10 per day.

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.