Newark’s Code Red Heat Warning Continues As Temperatures Soar

Newark braces for another scorcher on Wednesday as temperatures soar into the 90s, pushing the heat index above 100°F. 

In response, the city’s ongoing Code Red warning, activated Monday and extending through Wednesday evening, remains in effect. This alert signals dangerously high heat and humidity, prompting extended shelter hours and additional beds for those in need.

All residents are urged to take precautions and limit time outdoors, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest. Staying hydrated is essential. Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and anyone with asthma, lung, or heart conditions should stay inside, as the extreme heat can significantly worsen air quality and health risks.

Assistance is available for unhoused individuals—text “Path Home” to 855-11 or contact the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877-9481, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Drop-in centers offering support and respite include:

• Bridges Outreach, INC Project Connect, 35 Halsey Street, (973) 723-2307
• Better Life, 101 14th Avenue, (973) 723-2307
• NJCRI-Crossroads, 393 Central Avenue, (973) 483-3444
• Newark Emergency Services Drop-in Center, 982 Broad Street, (973) 639-2100

Cooling centers are available at several senior centers:

CENTRAL WARD

Bethany Baptist Church/ Bethany Senior Citizen Center

275 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103 (Entrance: 58 Hartford Street)

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Contact: Almetta Sabb, (973) 733-5739

EAST WARD
Ironbound Senior Citizen Center

226 Rome Street, Newark, NJ 07105

Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Contact: Kelly DosSantos, (862) 285-8574

WEST WARD

Boylan Senior Citizen Center

916 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07106

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Contact: LaStar La Grier, (973) 518-6115 (City Cell) or (551)247-3200

NORTH WARD

Vince Lombardi

201 Bloomfield Avenue, Newark, NJ 07107

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Contact: Iris Muniz, (973) 482-5439

SOUTH WARD

Nellie Grier Senior Citizen Center

98-104 Maple Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Contact: Wadih Chedid, (973) 424-4096 

Newark’s public pools and recreational centers also offer additional places to beat the heat:

CENTRAL WARD

JFK Recreation Center

211 West Kinney Street (entrance on Howard Street)

Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Ahmad Dowdell, (973) 789-7007

JFK Recreation Center Pool

211 West Kinney Street (entrance on Howard Street)

Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 7:30 p.m. (closed from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.) 

Contact: Arius Kinney (973) 651-6632 or (973)733-6550

EAST WARD
Kenneth Gibson/Sharpe James Recreation Center

226 Rome Street

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Luis Ortiz, (973) 733-3707

Kenneth Gibson/Sharpe James Recreation Center Indoor Pool

226 Rome Street

Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (closed from 2 pm – 3 pm)

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed from 1 pm – 2 pm)
Contact: Arius Kinney, (973) 651-6632 or (973)733-6550

NORTH WARD

Vince Lombardi Center of Hope

201 Bloomfield Avenue

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Qadriyyah Holden, (848) 336-0885

Rotunda Recreation Center

75 Clifton Ave

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Mark Ceasar, (973) 733-3677

Rotunda Recreational Center Outdoor Pool

75 Clifton Avenue

Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (closed from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)

Contact: Arius Kinney, (973) 651-6632 or (973)733-6550

SOUTH WARD
St. Peter’s Recreation Center/Bo Porter Sports Complex

378 Lyons Avenue

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Maliah Worsley, (973) 733-8006

St. Peter’s Recreation Center/Bo Porter Sports Complex Outdoor Pool

378 Lyons Avenue

Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (closed from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)

Contact: Arius Kinney, (973) 651-6632 or (973)733-6550

WEST WARD

Boylan Recreation Center

916 South Orange Avenue

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Bernard Chase, (973) 733-8947 or (862) 810-0558