The Gazette of Really Small News

This view of Wesley Lake early Monday morning presages the intense heat to come later today, when the heat index could reach 102. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area until 8pm. Excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion or its more fatal upgrade, heat stroke. Whatever you're doing, slow down, stay out of the sun, and drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothing, and check on family, friends and neighbors, especially if they're elderly and don't have air  conditioning.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; weakness; cool, pale clammy skin; nausea; fainting; rapid pulse. Move the person to a cooler place, apply cool, wet cloths, offer sips of water. Call 9-1-1 if the person vomits. Signs of heat stroke include altered mental state; confusion; dizziness; skin that's hot, red, or dry, and loss of consciousness. Move the person to a cooler environment and ...

Tropical Storm Fay produced monster clouds over Asbury Park as it made landfall 84 miles south, in Brigantine, on Friday, July 8. Staff photo/The Gazette of Really Small News

Early morning clouds presage the chance of thunderstorms later, mostly between 1pm and 10pm, according to the National Weather Service. Expect a high around 83, and if you go to the beach, listen for thunder. It doesn't matter how far away you think the storm is. Thunder always means there's the potential for lightning to strike nearby. Go indoors and stay safe. Staff photo/The Gazette of Really Small News

Sure, it's the long Fourth of July weekend, and you're in the mood to celebrate. Before you fire off those Roman candles in your yard after midnight, remember: you can't hide what you're doing. Those displays of pyrotechnic prettiness will attract a lot of attention. And irritated neighbors will be the least of your worries. Do it in Neptune, and you'll have to answer to the Neptune Township Police Department (NTPD). Police will be enforcing  fireworks and noise ordinances to the fullest extent possible, the department said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.  "While we know many [people] are disappointed that most local 4th of July fireworks shows have been canceled due to COVID-19, this is not an excuse to wake your neighbors or risk causing a major fire by holding your own private show in the yard," the department said. According to the  Fireworks Consumer Brief   from the state Division of Consumer Affairs, the only fireworks you can set off wi...