Hot, Hot, Hot – and More Hot!

743

By Torri Singer
RED BANK – From rain boots and umbrellas to blasting the air conditioning, people were taking cover this week because of the extreme heat. The forecast this summer seems to have two settings: soggy and scorching.
In the sweltering streets of the downtown area many people were indoors trying to beat the heat. Those who braved the outdoors had definite opinions about the weather.
Sea Bright locals Alan Miller and Christine Allen agree that the heat wave was too much to bear.
“It seems like we didn’t get a spring this year!” Christine said. “We had a brutal winter and now this.”
Their advice is simple, drink plenty of water and wear a hat when heading outside to keep cool.
According to the National Weather Service, a heat advisory is posted through Friday night at 8 p.m. The temperature mid-afternoon on Thursday was 97 degrees.
Hot and humid weather will be with us through Saturday when temperatures will continue to be in the 90s with heat index in the 100 to 105 degree range. Beginning Sunday and through at least Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to settle back into the mid-80s, the weather service said..
“This is really terrible,” Simon Maweu, said.
Maweu, who works in Red Bank, said he stays in air-conditioned spaces as much as he can while the temperatures continue to soar outside. He advises others to do the same to protect themselves.
“Drink as much fluid as you can, stay inside, and, if you don’t have air conditioning, use a fan,” Maweu said.
Millie Galligan however, is one of the few who has been celebrating the heat wave.
“I’m local but have lived in London for the past year, so I couldn’t wait for the heat and to wear shorts. I love it, which sounds crazy, I know,” Galligan said.
The long-awaited summer heat has many talking about a love-hate relationship with the sun. No matter the stance, the fact is that those outside should be cautious. Sunscreen, hydration and limiting physical exertion are key to staying safe in the sun, experts said.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to take extreme precautions as temperatures soar into the middle and upper 90s throughout the week.
“Summer is a great time of year, but, it can also prove to be extremely dangerous during excessive heat waves,” Sheriff Shaun Golden said. “That’s why we are urging people to use the proper precautions in an effort to stay safe and beat the heat.”
The sheriff’s officer is recommending theses safety tips to protect against heat:

  • Stay hydrated at all times by drinking plenty of water.
  • Avoid the sun.
  • Stay indoors in an air-conditioned area during excessive heat, particularly. the elderly, children and those with health problems.
  • Never leave a pet or child unattended in a vehicle.
  • Check on the elderly, family, friends and neighbors.
  • Avoid strenuous activity outside.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Use a high SPF sunscreen.
  • Dress in loose, lightweight colored clothing.
  • If you experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke immediately call 9-1-1 for help
  • Try to conserve electricity since the demand increases during excessive heat.

“The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, run through the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, is prepared to respond to all emergencies that may arise as a result of this week’s excessive heat,” said Mike Oppegaard, OEM coordinator. “As with any weather related event it’s vital to stay informed and be prepared.”