Area Braces For Dangerous Heat, Possible Storms

The region is being advised to prepare for dangerously hot and humid conditions Friday, as temperatures are expected to reach close to 100 degrees and heat index values potentially climbing as high as 107.

The National Weather Service’s regional office issued a warning for “dangerously hot and humid conditions with heat indices of 100 to 107 degrees.”

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Bucks County.

Officials caution that the combination of high temperatures and high humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Residents are advised to take precautions such as staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities.

In addition to the heat threat, isolated and scattered severe thunderstorms are possible between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. The storms could bring damaging wind gusts and heavy rain.

Outdoor Activities

Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Those particularly vulnerable to heat such as children, infants, older adults (especially those who have pre-existing conditions, take certain medications, living alone or with limited mobility), those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.

Eating and Drinking

Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don’t leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Cooling Down

Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
Take a cool bath or shower.

Check on Others

Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Keep children, disabled persons, and pets safe during heat waves

The National Weather Service forecast for the coming days:

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%.