The National Weather Service is warning Saucon Valley area residents to prepare for potentially dangerously hot weather this weekend.
In a special statement Thursday, the NWS at Mount Holly issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Lehigh, Northampton and Upper Bucks counties, as well as other parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
“An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected,” the NWS said. “The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.”
Saturday’s forecast high temperature in Hellertown is 94 degrees, and Sunday’s forecast high is 95. Monday’s forecast high is also 95, and the weather service noted that the watch “may need to be extended” as the hottest weather approaches.
The combination of heat and humidity could make it feel as hot as 100 degrees both Saturday and Sunday, according to the watch statement.
To help prevent heat-related illness, residents are advised to:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
- Take frequent breaks if working outside
- Use air conditioning
- Stay out of direct sunlight if possible
- Check on friends, neighbors, the elderly and anyone in poor health
A close eye should also be kept on small children and pets, who can become dehydrated more quickly than adults.