Residents Find Ways to Beat the Heat This Week

As heat advisories continue and the heat index breaks 100 for the third day in a row in Livingston, some residents found relief from the heat on Wednesday at cooling centers and community pools. 

Cooling centers were opened throughout the township starting Monday to give residents a place cool off. While no residents were taking advantage of the air conditioning at town hall on Wednesday, across the street, Livingston Public Library Director Judith Kron said she has seen a slight uptick in attendance this week.

“People can shut their air conditioners off and come here for free air conditioning,” said Kron. 

Inside the library, resident Tyler Jing was keeping cool in the study area. Jing typically comes to the library to study, but he said it was the perfect place to beat the heat this week.

 “It’s a good place: quiet, cool,” said Jing.

Livingston Health Officer Louis Anello said the township opens cooling centers on the recommendation of the state Health Department. The township does not keep statistics about how many people use the cooling centers, and Anello said the cooling centers do not typically attract large numbers of residents. 

The fields and track at The Oval sat vacant on Wednesday afternoon and baked in the torrid heat. Temperatures reached a high of 95 degrees Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, but the heat index reached the low 100s.

Nearby, residents found relief from the heat at Haines Memorial Pool. As lifeguards kept a close eye on members from their elevated chairs, pool manager Rich Shue said the pool has experienced busier crowds since Monday and no heat-related incidents. 

The consistently high temperatures are causing the pool's temperature to be higher than normal, said Shue. Because temperatures do not let up in the evening, Shue said the water in the pool has remained about 5 degrees warmer than usual this week. 

Setting up a chair under the shade on Wednesday at the pool was resident Marnie McNany, who was there with her three children, who are aged 6, 9 and 11. McNany said she and her kids were taking advantage of the pool throughout the summer, but especially this week. 

McNany said she was making sure her kids drink enough water and stay hydrated while playing in the sun this week.

“We’re definitely being smart,” said McNany.

Anello said residents should keep in mind the common sense safety practices as temperatures remain in the upper 90s: drink plenty of fluids; wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes; stay away from alcohol; and minimize your outside activity. 

The Heat Continues

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook this week as temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s.

The heat is forecasted to break on Sunday, according to the NWS. The highs/lows for the rest of the week in Livingston are as follows: 

• Thursday: 96/75
• Friday: 96/74
• Saturday: 91/70
• Sunday: 84/64