High temperatures across the region are forecast to dip below 90 Sunday for the first time since June 27, weather service data show.
High temperatures across the region are forecast to dip below 90 Sunday for the first time since June 27, weather service data show.
But until then, the Pennsylvania Department of Health wants the public to take precautions against heat-related illness.
Healthy people of any age are at risk when their bodies are unable to handle the high temperatures, the department says. Those at greatest risk are people older than 65, infants and young children, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems or other chronic conditions.
Because of the heat, Bethlehem is closing its Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Center and compost facility noon Saturday instead of 4 p.m. Both facilities are due to be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday as normal.
In Allentown, the options for keeping cool took a hit when the city announced the closure today of Mack Pool, 1901 Mack Blvd., due to mechanical failure of the main water pump. There is no estimated time to repair and reopen the pool, the city says. The city’s Cedar, Jordan and Irving pools and two spray parks at Bucky Boyle Park and the Fifth and Allen streets playground remain open, and admission is free Saturday, the city announced.
AccuWeather.com reports more than 3,000 temperature records broken between June 28 and the Fourth of July across the United States. During the heat wave gripping much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation, 2,253 record daily high temperatures were set in addition to 936 instances where the day's low was higher than at any point on record for that day.
The regional power grid operator for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, 11 other states and the District of Columbia says that despite the heat, power supply problems are not anticipated this weekend. Suburban Philadelphia-based PJM says electricity demand will be lower because many businesses will be closed on Saturday when temperatures approach 100 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service, the break in the weather forecast for the weekend comes with the chance for severe thunderstorms Saturday into Sunday with damaging winds and hail. The threat is expected to begin late Saturday afternoon.Pennsylvania health officials also warn of poor air quality often associated with hot weather. Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, forms from a combination of warm weather and pollution from vehicles, industry, households and power plants. Young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities when this occurs, the health department says.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and its regional air quality partnerships forecast a code-Orange air quality action day for ozone today in the Lehigh Valley. One step below red, orange represents unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive people.
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AVOIDING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSThe department advises the following to avoid heat-related illness:
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible. Air conditioning is the No. 1 protective factor against heat-related illness and death;
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink liquids. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar as they can cause dehydration (loss of body fluids);
- If you must be outside in the heat, limit activity to morning and evening hours, and try to rest often in shady areas;
- Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Also use a sunscreen of SPF15 or higher;
- Check on those who may be more at risk from high temperatures such as infants, children or older individuals; and
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.