Community Family Weather

Heat Advisory Issued, Heat Index This Weekend Could Be ‘Life-Threatening’

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Lehigh Valley as well as much of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey until 6 p.m. Thursday, and even hotter weather is forecast for the weekend, with one online forecaster predicting a “life-threatening heat wave” in much of southeastern Pennsylvania.

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The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Lehigh Valley as well as much of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey until 6 p.m. Thursday, and even hotter weather is forecast for the weekend, with one online forecaster predicting a “life-threatening heat wave” in much of southeastern Pennsylvania.

According to PA Weather Action, the combination of temperatures in the low to mid 90s and relative humidity of around 60 percent will produce heat indexes of 100 to 110 degrees in the Lehigh Valley, with heat indexes of 105 to 116 in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

” Saturday will be the hottest day, as some areas could reach a heat index of 110°F,” PA Weather Action said in a statement accompanying its forecast. “Several heat-related deaths have already occurred this summer in Pennsylvania, so be sure to know where your kids are at all times, check on your elderly and keep all pets indoors. Do not be exposed to this heat for long periods of time and stay hydrated.”

The National Weather Service noted that a heat advisory means a period of hot temperatures is expected, during which the combination of heat and high humidity “will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.”

They advised that area residents take extra precautions during the heat wave.

“When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the NWS recommended in its advisory statement. “Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.”

Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles as interior car temperatures can reach lethal levels in a matter of minutes during extremely hot weather.

The NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook that afternoon heat indexes around or in excess of 100 degrees are can be expected through Sunday in the Lehigh Valley.

Thursday’s forecast high in Hellertown is 91 degrees, Friday’s is 92, Saturday’s is 93, and Sunday’s is 90, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

There is a variable chance of thunderstorms–some of which could produce heavy rain–all four days.

As of noon Thursday, the temperature in Hellertown was 88 degrees, which with relative of humidity of 66 percent feels like 98 degrees.

The Hellertown Pool–a location where many local residents seek relief during the summer–remains open daily from noon to 7 p.m. (weather permitting) through Saturday, Aug. 20.

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About the author

Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is the owner, publisher and editor of Saucon Source. A Lehigh Valley native, he's covered local news since 2005 and previously worked for Berks-Mont News and AOL/Patch. Contact him at josh@sauconsource.com.

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