Heat Index Could Reach 117 Degrees

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning with the heat index expected to rise as high as 117 degrees by Friday afternoon.

The heat warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday evening.

"An excessive heat warning is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater," the NWS said. "Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside."

The NWS suggested rescheduling strenuous activities if at all possible. They recommend people wear light weight and loose clothing and drink plenty of water.

Heat stroke is a real threat so the NWS encouraged residents of the Garden State to know the symptoms and move anyone having a heat related medical issue into the shade and to call 911 immediately.

There is also an alert issued for poor air quality effective through 11 p.m. on Friday. Those in "sensitive groups" should remain indoors if at all possible. 

Bergen County has opened four regional cooling centers:

• Northwest Bergen Multipurpose Senior Activity Center - 46-50 Center St., Midland Park, NJ, (201) 445-5690
• County Administration Building - Multi-Purpose Room, first floor, One Bergen County Plaza, (201) 336-7300
• Bergenfield Senior Center - 239 Murray Hill Terrace, Bergenfield, NJ, (201) 387-7212
• Southwest Bergen Multipurpose Senior Activity Center - 147 Hackensack St., East Rutherford, NJ, (201) 935-8920 

The centers are open until 6 p.m. on Friday. Transportation can be arranged by calling (201) 368-5955.

Here is the forecast for Fort Lee through the weekend: 

Friday Afternoon: Widespread haze before 3pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Heat index values as high as 112. West wind around 8 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming west between 7 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. West wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. North wind between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.