Centre County will see its first extended heat wave of the summer ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend as temperatures climb into the 90s with high humidity.
The National Weather Service at State College has issued an extreme heat watch from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening for southern Centre County as high temperatures blast much of the eastern United States.
While air temperatures reach near record highs in the upper 90s, humidity will combine to create “dangerously hot conditions” with heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees, according to the NWS.
“The main factor contributing to the heat in our area is this upper level ridge of high pressure that’s set up over the eastern U.S.,” AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny said. “It’s hanging around through the weekend, largely, then it breaks down into early next week. We’ll get some relief as we head through the holiday weekend.”
Tuesday will be very warm with highs in the upper 80s, but the brutal heat arrives on Wednesday, with a near-record high of 96 degrees and a RealFeel — or how the temperature actually feels to the human body — of 104, according to AccuWeather.
Thursday looks to be the hottest day, with a high of 97 and RealFeel of 104 degrees. Friday won’t be much cooler, as temperatures reach 96 degrees and again a RealFeel of 104, with a chance of thunderstorms later in the day.
Overnight lows each day will be in the low 70s.
“Dew points over the next few days will rise from the mid to upper 60s and even cresting the 70s for a period of time into late week,” Glenny said. “Of course, that combined with the highs in the 90s will make things downright uncomfortable, making for more dangerous heat, especially if people can’t cool off or if air conditioning is not available.
“You need to make sure that people stay hydrated. If there is an opportunity to make it to a cooling center or just an air-conditioned home, that’s highly recommended in this type of pattern.”
People should also be sure that any pets outside have plenty of shade and water, and stay connected to check on others who might need help or ask for it if needed.
For those looking too cool off in a natural body of water, Glenny advised that they check the water temperature first.
“Any time we get really hot days, people might flock to some of the local bodies of water — just making sure that it’s not too cold and that it might be a shock to their system,” Glenny said. “Some of the area lakes might be running a little bit cooler than expected, so that’s sometimes an unexpected hazard with the heat.”
The Fourth of July on Saturday will be a bit cooler, but still hot and humid with a high of 91 degrees and a RealFeel of 98, according to AccuWeather.
“It’s going to be another humid day,” Glenny said. “Dew points on Saturday look to also be in the upper 60s, so it might be a sticky day. There are chances for thunderstorms to be in the area. We’ll have to monitor the timing of that as we approach the Fourth. Of course, keeping fireworks in mind, there could be some clouds around, but we’re still monitoring if it’ll be partly sunny or a couple more clouds then that will creep in by the evening.”
KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS
Extreme heat can cause serious and even life-threatening illness. Everyone should know the warning signs, and some people are at greater risk.
“Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool,” the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania wrote in a news release. “This includes older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions or disabilities. Individuals who take certain medications are at higher risk for heat related injury and illness and should consult their medical provider for guidance on managing their medication during periods of extreme heat. Athletes, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning are also at higher risk for heat illness.”
According to the Red Cross:
• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.
• Heat exhaustion is more serious and signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool, wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by calling 911. Move to a cool place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water.
“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, said in a statement. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”
