The National Weather Service warning runs from Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4, with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees. Several Morris County municipalities also posted cooling, trash collection and holiday safety updates.
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – Morris County officials are urging residents to take heat precautions and seek cooling options as an extreme heat warning remains in effect from noon Wednesday, July 1, through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees, according to a county notice published June 30. Residents experiencing a heat-related emergency should call 911.
County officials advised residents to drink water throughout the day, limit outdoor activity, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible and check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with health conditions. Warning signs of heat-related illness can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache and muscle cramps.
Residents who need a cooling shelter can contact their municipal Office of Emergency Management, local police department or NJ 211 for assistance. Morris County’s Office of Emergency Management said it is monitoring conditions and coordinating with local and state partners during the warning period.
Several municipalities posted local updates as the heat warning overlapped with the July Fourth holiday schedule. Randolph Township said residents can use the Randolph Public Library and Randolph Town Hall lobby during regular business hours as cooling options, but both facilities are closed Friday through Sunday for the holiday weekend. Residents who need relief while municipal facilities are closed can call 973-989-7000, ext. 0, or use NJ 211 and county cooling-center resources.
In Boonton, officials opened a cooling center at Town Hall in the courtroom from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Boonton also said curbside garbage pickup would begin at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. for the rest of the week because of the heat.
Montville Township said there would be no change to its holiday garbage and recycling schedule, but the township’s garbage company would begin collection at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, because of the extreme heat.
The heat warning also comes as the state prepares for Independence Day events. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Fire Safety posted fireworks safety guidance on July 2, urging residents to attend public fireworks displays conducted by licensed professionals rather than using fireworks themselves. The division said aerial fireworks, including bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles, remain prohibited in New Jersey, while certain ground-based sparkling devices and novelty items are permitted under state law.
Residents should check local municipal pages before relying on a public building as a cooling site, especially during holiday closures. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency cooling assistance, contact local police, municipal emergency management or NJ 211.