The Burlington County Commissioners, Burlington County Office of Emergency Management, and Burlington County Health Department are urging residents to take precautions as dangerously high temperatures are expected from Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4, 2026.
“As we head into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, dangerously high temperatures are expected across our region,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “We encourage all residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors from the risks associated with extreme heat. Burlington County will continue to work closely with our local municipalities, first responders, and emergency management partners, and utility providers to monitor conditions and coordinate our response throughout this heat event.”
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for portions of Burlington County, effective from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening.
The combination of very hot and humid conditions for multiple consecutive days can result in heat-related illnesses, especially for the elderly, infants, and young children. Residents are advised to:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when going back into the heat.
- Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so your body has a chance to recover.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (apply 30 minutes before going outside). Continue to reapply sunscreen according to the package directions.
- Do NOT leave children or pets in car.
- Avoid hot and heavy meals because they add heat to your body.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks – they cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Remember, the heat can affect some pets. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
- In cases of heat emergencies, you should call your doctor or visit your local emergency room.
Seven Burlington County Library System branches have been designated cooling centers for Burlington County and are prepared for additional visitors. Their hours are as follows:
- Burlington County Library Main Branch, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton; open until 9:00 PM
- Bordentown Branch Library, 18 East Union Street, Bordentown; open until 8:30 PM
- Cinnaminson Branch Library, 1619 Riverton Road, Cinnaminson; open until 8:30 PM
- Evesham Branch Library, 984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton; open until 8:30 PM
- Maple Shade Branch Library, 200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade; open until 8:30 PM
- Pemberton Community Library, 16 Broadway Street, Browns Mills; open until 8:30 PM
- Pinelands Branch Library, 49 Union Street, Medford; open until 8:30 PM
- Riverton Branch Library, 306 Main Street; open until 5:00 PM
In addition to those locations, the Burlington County Board of Social Services offices are also serving as a daytime cooling center. The offices are in the Burlington County Department of Human Services Building at 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton.
The Burlington County Department of Human Services Office on Aging also has a limited number of electric fans for elderly residents in need one. Please contact the Office on Aging at (609) 265-5069 to check availability. The County Health Department also has some fans available for other residents (non-seniors) who might need one. Call 609-265-5548 to inquire about availability.
