BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The heat is on across the Lehigh Valley and for those who don’t have air conditioning, it could be fatal.
Now, the American Red Cross is reminding people to take extra precautions when it gets this hot out.
The National Weather Service says the weather in Allentown on Thursday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 94 — giving us the third day under a heat advisory.
Friday will bring a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., but with a high temperature near 95.
The area is expected to face "dangerously hot conditions, with temperatures above 90 degrees and heat index values up to 105 possible" now in effect through 6 a.m. Saturday in southeast Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey.
"Heat waves can be silent killers. It's really a little scary to say that, but we know that if people don't take precautions, there can be significant medical problems that can result."Peter Brown, Executive Director of The Red Cross's Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter encompassing the Lehigh Valley
An excessive heat watch then will continue through Sunday evening.
"Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," the National Weather Service warned.
"Heat waves can be silent killers," said Peter Brown, the Executive Director of the Red Cross's Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter encompassing the Lehigh Valley.
"It's really a little scary to say that, but we know that if people don't take precautions, there can be significant medical problems that can result."
A few reminders
Brown's team is putting out a few reminders as the temperature soars for the foreseeable future with little relief expected even when the sun goes down.
“A significant part of the challenge is that it's not going to cool off much at night,” Brown said.
"Slow down — this is not the time to decide, ‘Oh, you know, I've been wanting to repave that driveway, I'm going to get that done this week.’ Really be very mindful about limiting your time outdoors.“Peter Brown
“So that puts people at even greater risk, because all of the things that cause stress on your body from heat normally the nighttime you kind of can catch up with that and your body can relax and rest and it's we're still anticipating nighttime temperatures in the 70s and even the low 80s.”
The Red Cross is asking people to keep a few simple tips in mind to avoid getting sick from the heat: slow down, stay hydrated and stay indoors.
"Slow down — this is not the time to decide, ‘Oh, you know, I've been wanting to repave that driveway, I'm going to get that done this week,'" he said. "Really be very mindful about limiting your time outdoors."
Staying hydrated is key, he added, and avoiding caffeinated drinks such as energy drinks or iced coffee, because "the caffeine actually helps you dehydrate and causes you to lose hydration more quickly.”
He said alcohol has the same effect.
“If you don't have to go outdoors don't," Brown said. "If you are not living in a space that has air-conditioning, consider going to a local shopping mall or shopping center.
"Public libraries and a number of communities are already establishing cooling centers.”
Signs of heat-related illness
Brown said early signs of a heat-related illness include leg and arm cramps, and "the next step up" is heat exhaustion.
"You can have cool, pale and clammy skin," he said. "It seems a little counterintuitive that you could be suffering from heat, exhaustion and your skin could feel cool, but what that's telling you is that your body is losing the ability to regulate temperature.”
Other symptoms include a faster or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, tiredness or weakness, a headache and, in extreme cases, passing out.
"Over 2,300 people died from heat last year in the United States."Peter Brown, Executive Director, Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter
“Getting individuals indoors or to someplace cooler, providing them with cold drink, but very slowly," Brown said. "A sip here, a sip there, give them a chance to recover.”
Heat stroke is a deadly condition that should be treated by a medical professional if symptoms do not improve.
"Over 2,300 people died from heat last year in the United States,” Brown said. “That's more than die in all of the natural disasters that occurred in the country, it's a lot more."
The Red Cross says the people most at risk are those with heat-related illnesses, which includes people who have heart conditions, pregnant women, young children and infants, as well as the elderly.
Allentown has cooling centers open to those looking to escape the heat. Many other community centers and libraries are offering a reprieve as well.
Those looking for a list of cooling stations can call 211 or visit PA211.
