City Hall Cooling Center Opens Ahead of Another Heat Wave

With temperatures reaching 93 degrees Monday afternoon in Middletown, the National Weather Service declared a heat advisory for Northern Middlesex County through Tuesday at 8 p.m. 

Temperatures in the low to mid-90s is forecast through Friday with a heat index value is predicted to be 100. Meteorologists use the heat index, which combines air temperature and relative humidity, to determine how hot it feels. 

With another heat wave about to bear down on the area, Mayor Dan Drew has announced that the City of Middletown will again open cooling centers in an effort to help residents cope with the heat wave. The cooling centers are expected to continue operation through Friday.   

Residents who are in need of respite from the heat are encouraged to seek air-conditioned comfort in the Municipal Building Council Chambers, 245 Dekoven Drive, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or in the lobby of the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main Street, which is open 24 hours a day.

Other public facilities will be available such as the Russell Library on Broad Street. The Middletown Senior Center on William Street will also be available. These facilities will be open for public use during their normal hours of operation. The Council Chambers will have bottled water available on a limited basis.

Transportation may be provided to the cooling center. Arrangements can be made by calling Middletown Area Transit at (860) 346-0212 (Ext. 2) until 6 P.M. each day. 

The City of Middletown will also be opening fire hydrant sprinklers though Friday:

• The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop from 12 to 4 p.m.
• Maplewood Terrace from 2 to 5 p.m.
• Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle from 2 to 5 p.m.
• Macdonough School from 12 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
• Santangelo Circle from 12 to 3 p.m.
• Daddario Road from 6 to 8 p.m.
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City health officials state that although anyone at any time can suffer a heat related illness, some people are at greater risk than others including: infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, those with a mental illness, and those that are physically ill with heart disease and/or high blood pressure.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause heat related illnesses such as hyperthermia and heat exhaustion.  The most serious form of hyperthermia is heat stroke which is characterized by a body temperature of 105 degrees.  

Symptoms may include disorientation, delirium, and coma.  Onset is rapid and progression to becoming life-threatening may only take a few minutes. Anyone in this condition should seek immediate medical attention.  

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of hyperthermia and may occur after several day of exposure to heat combined with inadequate fluid intake. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.

See the city of Middletown website or Comcast Channel 19 for additional information.