A Heat Advisory remains in effect from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday for portions of eastern Pennsylvania, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 104 degrees.
The advisory includes Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Upper Bucks, Eastern Chester, Western Chester and Western Montgomery counties.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high temperature near 97 degrees. West winds will range from 5 to 15 mph, while the combination of heat and humidity could make it feel as hot as 103 to 104 degrees.
Hot temperatures and high humidity may increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for people working outdoors, older adults, young children and those without access to air conditioning.
Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, remain in air-conditioned locations when possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
Anyone spending time outside should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activity to the early morning or evening. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Anyone experiencing confusion, loss of consciousness or an extremely high body temperature should be moved to a cooler location and 911 should be called immediately.
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is possible before 9 p.m. Wednesday. Widespread smoke may also move into the region, mainly between midnight and 2 a.m. Overnight conditions will remain mostly cloudy, with a low near 70 degrees.
