Somerset weather: How long will heat last? Will it rain?
Somerset County continues to experience extreme temperatures as the heat wave continues into the middle of July.
There is some hope for rain as the middle of this week approaches, according to the National Weather Service in State College.
The National Weather Service said they expected the heat index on Monday to be 96 degrees in Somerset. The heat index is what the body thinks the weather feels like, factoring in humidity.
Will there be thunderstorms in Somerset county?
Showers and thunderstorms are likely Tuesday, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Wednesday. The chance of precipitation is 70%, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms, NWS said. The thunderstorms could be severe with damaging winds 60 mph or greater, heavy rain and large hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter are possible Tuesday afternoon and early Tuesday evening, NWS said.
Wednesday has a better chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. Highs near 81. Wednesday night also calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms, NWS said. Thursday will return to mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Senior centers open as cooling centers
Jennifer Clark, administrator of the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County, said communities in Somerset County can continue to find relief at six of the seven senior centers.The participating senior centers are:
Central City103 Sunshine Ave., Central City814-754-5615
Windber700 Fifth St., Suite #200, Windber814-467-5916
Conemaugh Township959 South Main St., Hollsopple814-479-2216
Confluence700 Reynolds St., Confluence814-395-5117
Meyersdale120 North St., Meyersdale814-634-0713
Somerset1338 S. Edgewood Ave., Somerset814-445-7772Libraries also a place to stay cool
The county's public libraries will be open for anyone needing a break from the heat, to peruse the magazines, jigsaw puzzles or play some of the games available.
Windber Recreation Park & Pool, operated by the Windber Municipal Authority, is at 160 Recreation Road, Windber, 814-509-6624. Somerset Area School District swimming pool, 645 S. Columbia Ave., Somerset, is also open during the summer. Call 814-443-2248. Check out the Facebook page for both pools for information about the various programs they offer.
How to stay cool recommendations from the Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania recommends three steps to stay safe and cool in hot weather:
Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities, including strenuous exercise.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place.
If you think someone is experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call emergency services or take them to the hospital.
Ways to stay cool without spending too much money
As we reported last week, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to explore simple #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave and help conserve energy and keep summer power bills manageable.
Some examples are to use a fan, stay in rooms without direct sunlight, and try using blinds and other window covers to reduce heat coming into a room.
The PUC says every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.
Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards and borough councils. She was the Home and Family editor for 20 years, and was the primary editor and reporter for a variety of special projects, features and tabs.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County weather: Heat advisory, potential rain forecasted
