A paving crew member takes a drink of water during a record-breaking heat wave, July 6, 2012, in Philadelphia. is among Pennsylvania cities facing an increase in high temperatures and humidity caused by climate change, report warns.
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
A paving crew member takes a drink of water during a record-breaking heat wave, July 6, 2012, in Philadelphia. is among Pennsylvania cities facing an increase in high temperatures and humidity caused by climate change, report warns.
The midstate is dealing with a stretch of unseasonably hot summer days, with temperatures hitting the high 90s.
On Sunday, temperatures peaked at 100 degrees, just shy of breaking the record of 101 degrees set on that day in 1991.
Rachel Gutierrez, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in State College, said the recent spell of heat and humidity is being caused by what is known as an “upper level ridge” that should move out of the area by the end of the week.
“(The upper level ridge) is bringing a lot of heat from the equator up to our area. So that is contributing to much of the U.S. being unseasonably warm right now,” she said.
A heat advisory is in effect through 8 p.m. Monday for the entire region. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions are among those at high risk for heat related illnesses.
Gutierrez said people should limit their outdoor activities most of the week.
“Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Drink plenty of water. Wear plenty of sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for prolonged periods of time,” she said.
Gutierrez cautioned against leaving children or pets in cars, as temperatures can get well above 100 degrees. She also recommended checking on older neighbors or relatives, especially those without air conditioning.
Gutierrez also noted the region is on the cusp of a drought – with the average rainfall more than two inches below normal.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
