Heat Advisory Issued for Part of Centre County

The heat advisory has been extended to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. This story has been updated.

A heat advisory has been issued for part of Centre County for the second time this summer amid high temperatures and humidity.

The National Weather Service at State College issued the advisory for southern Centre County — including the State College, Bellefonte and Penns Valley areas — from noon Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Highs are expected to reach the low 90s both days, but heat index values — what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature — could top 100 degrees, according to the advisory.

Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, and the NWS urged that is especially true during hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.

In general, people should drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and stay in an air-conditioned room whenever possible.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” the NWS wrote. AccuWeather noted that the heat and humidity pose “possible danger of dehydration and heatstroke while doing strenuous activities.”

Heat illnesses can occur at varying severity. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Heat cramps are the mildest form and may lead to more serious heat illness. Symptoms include painful muscle cramps and spasms and heavy sweating. People experiencing heat cramps should move to a cool place and rest, stretch muscles slowly, use pressure or massage and take sips of water or a cool sports drink, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine and the NWS. Medical attention should be sought if cramps last longer than an hour.

• Heat exhaustion is “when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke,” according to Johns Hopkins. Symptoms can include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, fatigue, weakness, pale and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache and fainting. A person experiencing heat exhaustion should move to a cool, preferably air conditioned, room, loosen clothing, place cool wet cloths on the skin or sit in a cool bath and take sips of water or a cool sports drink. If vomiting occurs more than once or if symptoms worsen or last more than one hour, seek medical attention.

• Heat stroke, the most serious form of heat illness, “occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat,” according to Johns Hopkins. It is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, severe headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, warm and dry skin, rapid pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness. If a person is experiencing heat stroke, take them to a hospital immediately or call 911. Until medical attention can be provided, they should be in a cool space with cool cloths or placed in a cool bath.

To avoid heat illness, drink more fluids than usual (water and sports drinks); limit outdoor activity; wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; use sunscreen and other sun protection; and use air conditioning or go to an air-conditioned space.

Centre County was last under a heat advisory June 18-22, when heat index values also reached 100 degrees.