Extreme heat warning for Lehigh Valley through July 4 weekend

As millions of Americans across the Northeast prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary this weekend, they are being asked to heed precautions for a heat wave that began today.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Lehigh, Northampton and Upper Bucks counties as well as surrounding areas through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, for “dangerously hot conditions” that could make celebrating the Independence Day holiday outdoors uncomfortable, if not unsafe.

According to the NWS, highs are expected to reach the triple digits Thursday and Friday, with mid to upper 90s forecast for today, Saturday (Independence Day) and Sunday. Overnight low temperatures won’t be very cool, either. For example, Thursday night the mercury will barely drop below 80 degrees, according to the latest forecast for the Allentown area.

In addition to using air conditioning and staying hydrated, residents should plan to take frequent breaks in the shade if they will be spending a significant amount of time outside and check on individuals who may be more sensitive to heat-related illness, including the elderly.

Public safety officials say strenuous outdoor activities should be scheduled for the early morning or evening hours if possible, and anyone working outside exercise caution and take immediate action if the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke are observed.

Heat-related illnesses’ severity can range from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:

Early signs (heat stress/heat exhaustion)

• Heavy perspiration
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Rapid pulse
• Fainting

Severe signs (heat stroke)

• Body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
• Hot, red skin that could be dry or sweaty
• Confusion, irritability or unusual behavior
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

What to do

• Move the individual exhibiting symptoms to a cool place.
• Provide water or a sports drink if the person is awake and not vomiting.
• Loosen clothing and cool the body with wet cloths, a fan or cool water.
• Call 911 immediately if there are signs of heat stroke, confusion, fainting, seizures or loss of consciousness.

To help local residents without air conditioning stay safe, Bucks County and Northampton County offiicials have announced that cooling centers will be in operation in the coming days. In Northampton County, senior centers will be available to those in need of a place to cool off, while in Bucks County about a dozen government buildings, senior centers, YMCAs and other locations will be open at various times. Anyone who lacks air conditioning in their home or is unsheltered can also call 211 or visit their county or state health department website for assistance locating appropriate shelter from the heat.

For those desiring a more active approach to cooling off, local swimming pools will be open and are expected to be busy.

The Hellertown Pool and Fountain Hill Community Pool are both open daily from noon to 7 p.m., weather permitting. Both offer daily rates along with season passes at resident and non-resident rates.

The City of Bethlehem operates five public swimming pools. The admission policies for Memorial Pool and the four neighborhood pools, along with rates and hours of operation may be found on the city’s website.

Other area pools include the Southern Lehigh Community (SOLECO) Pool, which is operated by River Crossing YMCA in Coopersburg, and City of Allentown pools.

During hot spells, local fire departments also sometimes host cool-down events utilizing their equipment, and Lower Saucon Fire Rescue will host such an event Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the township municipal complex, 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem. The event is open to the public.

Lost River Caverns–a Hellertown landmark and family-owned business–is also a perennially popular destination during heat waves, due to the fact that the cave remains at a constant temperature of 52 degrees year-round.

Due to the fact that the Fourth of July is also being celebrated as part of the America 250 commemoration numerous special events are planned throughout the Lehigh Valley and the entire region. People planning to attend outdoor events should monitor the social media platforms and email for updates due to the possibility that there could be postponements or cancellations due to the extreme heat.

As of Wednesday, the Borough of Freemansburg had announced that its 250th Stars & Stripes Block Party scheduled for Friday, July 3 is postponed to Saturday, July 18 due to the extremely hot weather expected Friday.

“It was not an easy decision to make and we feel bad for vendors affected, but it is for the health and safety of all volunteering and attending,” an email from the borough said.