Heat Advisory Issued for Kenilworth as Heat Index Nears 100 Degrees

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Union County from 11 a.m. Thursday, August 7, through 8 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2026, as hot temperatures combined with high humidity are expected to push heat index values to around 100 degrees. The advisory also covers portions of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties.

Union County Life covers weather alerts and public health information for residents across all 21 Union County municipalities.

The combination of heat and humidity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for certain populations: older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions or mental health conditions. Homes without air conditioning can become significantly hotter than outdoor temperatures, creating dangerous conditions for residents who cannot leave to seek relief.

Residents should take several precautions during the Heat Advisory period. Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and others who may be vulnerable to the heat. If you see someone displaying signs of heat illness (confusion, weakness, rapid pulse), move them to a cool place and call for emergency assistance.

If your home lacks air conditioning, seek refuge in a public building with cooling—a library, mall, community center, or cooling station set up by your municipality. Do not rely on fans alone during extreme heat; fans can actually make conditions worse by circulating hot air without lowering core temperature.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness or cool/pale/clammy skin, rapid but weak pulse, muscle cramps, and nausea or fainting. Heat stroke is more severe: high body temperature (above 103 degrees), red/hot/dry skin, rapid strong pulse, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 response.

The National Weather Service defines a Heat Advisory as conditions where heat and humidity combine to produce heat index values of 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time. The forecast for Thursday and Friday meets this threshold, making official warning necessary.

Prepare now by checking on vulnerable neighbors today. Ensure older adults and those with chronic conditions have access to cool spaces. Stock extra water. Monitor weather updates and be ready to modify outdoor plans. The heat will break after Friday evening, but through Friday at 8 p.m., treat the heat as a serious health risk requiring precaution.

For real-time weather updates and Heat Advisory information, monitor the National Weather Service website and local news stations.

Stay informed about Union County weather alerts and public health information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Is there a heat advisory for Union County?
A: Yes. The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Union County from 11 a.m. Thursday, August 7, through 8 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2026, with heat index values expected to reach around 100 degrees.

Q: Who is most at risk during a heat advisory?
A: Older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions or mental health conditions are at highest risk for heat-related illnesses. People without air conditioning are also particularly vulnerable.

Q: What should I do during a heat advisory?
A: Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable relatives.

Q: What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
A: Signs include heavy sweating, weakness, cool or clammy skin, rapid but weak pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, and possible fainting. Move to a cool place and drink water.

Q: What are the signs of heat stroke?
A: Heat stroke symptoms include high body temperature (above 103 degrees), red or dry skin, rapid strong pulse, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately.

Q: What if my home doesn't have air conditioning?
A: Seek refuge in air-conditioned public places such as libraries, malls, community centers, or cooling stations. Check with your municipality for cooling center locations.

Q: When will the heat advisory end?
A: The heat advisory ends Friday, August 8, 2026, at 8 p.m. The forecast shows conditions improving after Friday evening.

Q: Why are fans not enough during extreme heat?
A: Fans circulate hot air without lowering the core body temperature. During extreme heat (heat index near 100 degrees), air conditioning is necessary to prevent heat-related illness.