Community Corner

Updated: Heat Sparks Concerns Over Graduation Events

Temperatures are expected to crawl into the upper 90s today and Thursday.

 

In case you haven't been outside, it's hot, hot, hot!

At 2:30 p.m., it was already 95 degrees and climbing, according to the National Weather Service, and the heat index is making it feel more like 104. On Thursday, the high is expected to peak around 98, with a heat advisory in effect from noon today until 8 p.m. on Thursday.

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

The heat has resulted in safety precautions being issued for tonight's Mount Hebron Middle School graduation ceremony. The school has emailed families to stress the importance of drinking plenty of fluids today prior to the 7 p.m. event. In addition, a nurse will be at the front door of the school for anyone who needs her.

A heat advisory from the NWS warns: "A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Avoid prolonged work in the sun or in poorly ventilated areas. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned environment, stay out of the sun and check in on relatives and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911."

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

While a pool or the beach seems an obvious place to cool off, it is not recommended anyone be outdoors for extended periods of time. If you are outdoors and want to go swimming, keep the sun exposure limited. And even if you're in the shade, don't forget the sunscreen! Due to the heat, Montclair Recreation will open Essex Pool today and Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. All pools open for the season on Friday.

A cooling center also will be open Wednesday, June 20, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Montclair Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue.

Here are five other ways we recommend you beat the heat:

1. Catch a flick. Clearview's Bellevue Cinema is showing various films for kids and teens. Among them are Madagascar 3, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Men In Black III. Check the listings here.

2. Make your own ice cream. Go here for a recipe that's easy, quick, and on the cheap!

3. Go bowling or take a day trip. Head over to Eagle Rock Lanes or go farther out with a visit to Ponderosa Park, a new 20-acre recreational area in Scotch Plains that includes a park filled with fountains and sprinklers.

4. Visit the library. The Montclair Public Library's summer reading program kicks off Friday, June 22. Why not get a jump on those reading logs and cool down at the same time in an air-conditioned space? The library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

5. Make the best and easiest lemonade ever. Here you go!

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups lemon juice

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
  2. Remove seeds from lemon juice, but leave pulp. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water.
 



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