The National Weather Service at State College has issued a heat advisory for part of Centre County on Friday, when the area could see its hottest day of the year so far and a near record high temperature for the date.
The advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday for Southern Centre County, including the State College, Bellefonte and Penns Valley Areas.
On a mostly sunny and humid day, temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s, according to AccuWeather and the NWS, with a high of 93 in the State College area. The highest temperature recorded so far this year at University Park Airport was 90 degrees on June 2.
The record high for July 28 in State College is 94, set in 1940. The average high is 81.
Heat index values — what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature — up to 102 degrees are expected on Friday, according to the NWS. AccuWeather’s RealFeel forecast, which incorporates a number of factor to determine how the air feels, is 98.
The hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat illness, according to the advisory and people should know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The NWS recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun, staying in an air-conditioned room and checking up on relatives and neighbors. Pets should also be provided with adequate water and shelter from the sun.
Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles at any time, and during hot weather car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
Those who work or spend time outside should reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
More safety tips for excessive heat can be found at weather.gov/safety/heat.
On Saturday, AccuWeather forecasts a high of 84 degrees, high humidity, rain and a chance of a heavy thunderstorm in the State College area. More pleasant days are expected into early next week, with highs in the upper 70s and sunny skies.
