Temperatures could approach record high for this date

Jul. 16—Temperatures today could challenge the record high of 98 degrees for this date, set in 1995.

"Tuesday's gonna be a real scorcher," said Tom Kines, of AccuWeather. "It will feel (heat index) like 100 to 107. It won't be much better on Wednesday, when we'll get more hot, humid weather, into the 90s."

AccuWeather has a "real feel" formula based on temperature, humidity and wind speed.

Relief is on the way. Daytime temperatures will drop into the mid-80s Thursday, and then into the weekend.

"There is a cold front heading our way and it will get close to our area by Wednesday, with more clouds in the afternoon and probably some thunderstorms. Behind the front it will be cooler and a lot less humid," Kines said. "I suspect we will get into a dry and more comfortable pattern coming up."

Cooling off

The Oppenheimer Playground water park, at 215 S. Second St., Sunbury, is now open.

Due to high forecasted temperatures, High Hope Church in Sunbury, at 1000 Race St., is opening its sanctuary to the community, Pastor Mark Gittens said.

"If you need to cool off, the doors will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.," he said. "Beverages will be available, and you are welcome to bring snacks and food. There is also plenty of space for little kids to run inside."

The high humidity will be around for a while, said Derick Shambach, Snyder County EMS director.

"The best thing you can do is stay indoors, in air-conditioning, preferably, during the hottest part of the day, 1-4 p.m.," Shambach said. "Besides that, The number one safety precaution we stress during the extreme temperatures is for everyone to stay hydrated, meaning drinking a lot of water."

Deborah Erdman, trauma nurse coordinator at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, said carrying a water bottle is wise.

"If outdoors in the heat, kids should be drinking 10 gulps of water every 20 minutes," she said. "If it is a teenager, an older child, or an adult we are talking 20 gulps of water every 20 minutes. That adds up to almost half a liter an hour because they sweat and might not realize it."

Individuals with special medical conditions should check with care providers because some medications cause dehydration, Erdman said.

Besides water, fresh fruit and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, cucumbers and tomatoes provide hydration.

"We recommend staying away from sugar and fruit juices, and energy drinks because of their high caffeine level," Erdman said. "If you need to be outside try to make it first thing in the morning, or later in the evening, as the sun is going down and things are getting a little bit cooler."

Pace yourself. Warm up before you start doing any exercise outside. Wear sunscreen, Erdman said.

High heat can also lead to conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches and high body temperature, according to Erdman and state Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen.

Anyone experiencing one or more of those symptoms should seek immediate attention.

Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich recommended seniors take advantage of Pennsylvania's 52 Area Agencies on Aging.

"We should all take the necessary steps to keep cool during extreme heat, especially older adults who are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses or more," Kavulich said. They may not have access to fans, air conditioners, or may have limited mobility to get relief from the heat, so it's important that all of us check on our older family members, neighbors and friends to make sure they have what they need to stay cool."

The Valley's libraries also offer "cooling off spots," said Shambach and Degenstein Community Library Director Melissa Rowse.

All public libraries serve as heating and cooling stations, Rowse said.

"At the Degenstein Community Library, we have puzzles, magazines, and crossword/word search books for patrons to use here to pass the time," she said. "We all have WiFi and computers for everyone to use."

All three of the Union County Libraries are "cooling off zones" Toni Novosel, Union County Library System marketing director, said. "Hours for all three libraries can be found on the footer of our website (https://unioncountylibraries.org/)."

Citizens can also reference the library system's online calendar @https://unioncountylibraries.libcal.com/

"Patrons can also find events that are taking place on those hot days to have an activity to do while they're at one of the libraries as well," Novosel said.

The Snyder County Library has branches in Selinsgrove, Middleburg, Beavertown and McClure. All have air conditioning.