Heat advisory, air quality alerts issued for central Pa.

Central Pennsylvania is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. The National Weather Service in State College said temperatures will reach the low 90s, and combined with humidity the region will feel like it is between 100 and 104 degrees outside.

The forecast will put Harrisburg close to its record high temperature of 97 degrees on this date in 1957. Temperatures are forecasted to peak at 93 degrees around 5 p.m. in the city.

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties are also under a code orange alert for poor air quality. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said the combination of high pressure, sunny skies and heat make the area highly favorable for ozone formation, which can be unhealthy for young children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems.

Because of these weather concerns, Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick III and the county’s Area Agency on Aging are warning older adults about the risks and contacting clients to ensure their safety. Excessive heat can be particularly dangerous to people with asthma, as well as heart and lung diseases.

“We are reaching out to senior citizens who have health concerns, live alone or have limited mobility to make sure they are safe and offer assistance,” said Hartwick, who has oversight of the county’s Area Agency on Aging. “We’re also making air conditioning units and fans available to adults age 60 and over who qualify for services.”

Residents in need must call the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging at 717-780-6130 to request a fan or air conditioner or to obtain other assistance, such as transportation to an air-conditioned place.

They can also seek refuge at these regional senior centers:

• Bistline Senior Center, 1291 S. 28th St., Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• B’Nai B’rith Senior Center, 130 Third St., Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• East Hanover Senior Center, 8848 Jonestown Road, Grantville, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friendship Senior Center, 5000 Commons Drive, Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, 1824 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hoy Senior Center, 301 Mohn St., Steelton, open Monday – Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Jewish Community Center, 3301 N. Front St., Harrisburg, open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lick Towers Senior Center, 1301 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lykens Senior Center, 200 W. Main St., Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Millersburg Senior Center, 109 Edward Drive, Millersburg, open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mohler Senior Center, 25 Hope Drive, Hershey, open Monday – Friday, from 8 am. to 4 p.m.
• Rutherford House Center, 3300 Parkview Lane, Harrisburg, open Monday – Friday, from 8 am. to 4 p.m.