Heat wave 2024: Bucks County faces dangerous heat index. Temps, humidty on the rise

Bucks County is moving into a dangerous heat wave with heat indexes expected to move above 100 degrees this week.

County residents, who are under a heat advisory until 6 a.m. Thursday and then an excessive heat watch until 8 p.m. Sunday, are dealing with the second day of what 90-degree plus temps and more humidty, making it feel hotter.

The heat watch warns of a heat index, or feel-like temperature, of up to 105 degrees, which is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations and precautions should be taken to stay cool.

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According to the National Weather Service, theforecast is calling for a maximum heat index forecast to break 100 this weekend. Here's a look at what's predicted for Bucks County:

• Wednesday: The high is expected to hit 93 with high humidity.

• Thursday: The high will reach 95 with high humidity.

• Friday: The highs will reach 97 with high humidity.

• Saturday: The high will reach 93 with humidity.

• Sunday: The high will hit 96 with high humidity.

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There is a chance for showers Friday afternoon and again Sunday, but they won't cool things down, according to the National Weather Service. Monday and Tuesday could reach close 90 degrees.

What is heat index?

According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

When the body sweats, the perspiration evaporates, cooling the body. When the humidity is high, the sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly and the body doesn't cool itself as well. Therefore, the body feels warmer. The heat index represents the heat you're feeling outside.

Here's a chart to help you find out what the heat index is. You can also use this heat index calculator.

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What are signs of heat-related illnesses?

With extremely hot and humid weather, people need to be aware of several heat-related illnesses. According to the National Weather Service, here's what to watch for:

• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are the first sign of heat-related illnesses. The symptoms include muscle cramps and spasms typically in the legs or abdomen. You should apply pressure on the cramping muscle or gently massage the muscle. The person should also try to sip water unless they are nauseous. If the cramps last more than an hour, the person should seek medical attention.

• Heat exhaustion: A person who has heat exhaustion will sweat heavily, be tired, cool and clammy, have a weak, fast pulse, have muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headaches and may faint. Move the person to a cool area, loosen clothes and apply cool wet clothes or have the person sit in a bath. Offer water. If a person vomits more than once or symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention.

• Heat stroke: The symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees, a throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, fainting or a loss of consciousness. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately.

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How to remain safe in the heat

With the extreme temperatures, here are some ways to stay safe.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Stay in an air-conditioned room.

• Stay out of the sun.

• Check up on relatives and neighbors.

• Take extra precautions when outside.

• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

• Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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How to handle pets in the heat

If your pet is exposed to extreme heat, the AKC suggests getting your dog to a shady spot, applying ice packs under the dog's front legs on their chest, and pouring cold water over their head and body. Dogs should be given water to drink. A cooling mat for the dog to sit or stand on would be helpful as well.

In addition, according to the American Kennel Club, with temperatures 85 degrees or higher for a sustained period, dog owners need to be careful with hot asphalt, pavement and sand. The hot surface can cause blisters on your pet's paws.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Heat wave 2024: Bucks County heat indexes, excessive heat watch