The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a heat advisory for Mercer County and Central New Jersey beginning at 11 a .m. on Thursday, July 27 through 6 a.m. on Friday, July 28. An excessive heat watch will then be in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 28.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s on Thursday, with a heat index of up to 104 degrees. On Friday, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of up to 106 degrees are possible.

Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pets are especially at risk during excessive temperatures. Never leave children or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

Tips to manage in the heat

Take cool showers or baths.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
If you must go outside, find shade.
Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face outdoors.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors if possible.

Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors. Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

If pets are outdoors, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Avoid asphalt and dark pavement when walking your dog.

Cooling centers

Municipal libraries and municipal senior centers in Mercer County will serve as cooling centers on Thursday and Friday.

The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers, and West Windsor library branches are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hollowbrook Branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m.

In Lawrence, the library, senior center, and police headquarters will serve as cooling centers. The senior center cooling area in the back rooms at 30 East Darrah Lane will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday. The police training room at 2211 Lawrence Road (Route 206 South) will be open Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from noon to 8 p.m.

We will add cooling centers to this last as they are announced. Check back for updates.