Weather Service Issues Heat Watch

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly has issued an excessive heat watch for much of Southeastern Pennsylvania including Bucks and Montgomery counties.

The watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening.

According to the weather service, there is a very hot and humid air mass over the region that will cause temperatures to swell into the mid-90s creating dangerous conditions. 

Heat index values between 95 to 100 are expected

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The elderly, infirm, children and pets are at greatest risk especially where there is no air conditioning, the weather service said.  

Sleeping can also be disrupted where air conditioning is not available. The Weather Service suggests that you stay in an air-conditioned room; stay out of the sun; and check up on relatives and neighbors. 

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.  To reduce heat risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911.

Here’s the local forecast:

• Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.
• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 30%.