MOUNT HOLLY NJ – An extreme heat warning, which predicts daily “feels like” temperatures could reach up to 108 degrees from Sunday through Wednesday (June 22-25), has been issued for all or most of Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties by the National Weather Service.
The service, headquartered in Mount Holly, says its warning of “dangerously hot conditions” specifically includes Pottstown, Collegeville, Norristown, West Chester, Kennett Square, Reading, Allentown, and 10 other east central and southeastern Pennsylvania locations.
“Hottest temperatures and highest heat indices are predicted to occur Monday and Tuesday,” it reports. Moreover, “low temperatures near 75 to 80 degrees, and high humidity, will not offer much relief from the heat at night,” it adds.
“Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” it also cautions.
Plan, Be Ready, Act
The weather service makes the following recommendations for those who must cope with the heat. It suggests:
- Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors;
- Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes; and
- Those who lack air conditioning at home, or who are in need of shelter, should call 2-1-1 for assistance. Responding operators will help locate appropriate shelter.
Keep Cool, Conserve Electricity Too
Electric utility provider Metropolitan Edison recognizes that dealing with the hot weather can affect home-owners energy costs. It offers these additional tips:
- Boost airflow with ceiling or box fans to reduce air conditioner use;
- Operate window air conditioning units only when rooms are occupied;
- Set thermostats as high as personal comfort allows;
- Block the sun and reduced its affects by keeping blinds and curtains closed during daylight hours;
- Close vents and doors to rooms not being used;
- Delay chores like laundry, dish-washing and cooking until early morning or late evening;
- Grill outdoors instead of heating up your kitchen;
- Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use; and
- Clean or replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning filters regularly to ensure their efficiency.
Photo by Ashish Kushwaha on Unsplash, used by Travels With The Post under license
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