Community Corner

Heat Index May Hit As High as 115 Degrees By This Afternoon

The warnings are out - stay indoors if you can!

If you've opened your front door, you know it's broiling outside. What you may not know is that this is only the beginning of the heat.

The National Weather Service is again advising area residents to beware the heat wave that's roasting the area. The heat index - the combination of heat and humidity that makes mere high temperatures excruciating -is projected to reach as high as 115 degrees by this afternoon.

So if you can, stay inside in an air-conditioned environment.

Find out what's happening in Matawan-Aberdeenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The miserably hot temperatures are rolling in from a heat wave that singed the midwest earlier this week. The scorching temps are expected to stay in the area through Saturday, where they won't level off by much: early weekend heat index temperatures are forecast to be in the 110 degree range.

Remember, infants, the sick, the disabled, and the elderly suffer the most in this kind of hot environment. Those who are most vulnerable are urged by authorities to stay in air-conditioning and avoid going out, especially during the hottest afternoon parts of the day.

Find out what's happening in Matawan-Aberdeenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Don't forget the pets, too. Dogs should stay indoors, but if they are left outside, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water and a shaded area away from the sun.

If your air conditioning is broken, stops working or you do not have one, today is a great day to go to a movie, read a book in the Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library or relax with an iced coffee inside Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. If you want a variety of stuff to do, head to the Freehold Mall, where you can buy clothes, grab a shake from Friendly's, read a book, get a hair cut and even a massage.

Remember, the Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library is air-conditioned, free and open to all residents of Matawan and Aberdeen. Parking is available behind the library and can be accessed via Broad Street.

If you begin feeling the effects of the heat - symptoms may include cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in heat, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak and rapid pulse, nausea and headach - immediately find a cool place and hydrate. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention, as heat related illness can be serious.


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