An extreme heat warning is in effect across Rockaway and all of Morris County from noon Wednesday, July 1, through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2026, as the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures reaching 100 degrees over the Fourth of July weekend.
Morris County officials are urging residents to drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors and stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible. Anyone experiencing a heat emergency should call 911.
Signs of heat-related illness include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and fainting. The Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming warns that the combination of heat and humidity can cause heat stress during outdoor activities or extended exposure, especially for older adults and other vulnerable residents.
Rockaway residents are encouraged to check on older family members, friends and neighbors during the warning, and to never leave children, adults or pets unattended in vehicles.
Anyone struggling with the heat can contact their municipal Office of Emergency Management or local police department to find a cooling shelter, or call NJ 211 for help. Morris County has posted a list of open cooling centers on its Office of Emergency Management cooling centers page. Residents can also register for free emergency alerts through Smart911.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management said it will continue to monitor the excessive heat and coordinate with local towns, including Rockaway, over the coming days.
