Heat wave could break records in central Pennsylvania. When to expect high temperatures
The official start of the summer season is still about a week away, but it might feel like the dog days of summer soon enough in central Pennsylvania.
Forecasts for mid-to-late June are now calling for potentially extreme high temperatures for much of Pennsylvania and the Midwest and Northeast. The unusually warm weather comes at a time when, in the State College area, daily temperatures in the middle and end of June usually range from the upper 50s and low 60s to the upper 70s and low 80s.
“There’s certainly potential we could see [a new heat record] this month,” said Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather in State College. “To get high temperatures of this kind this time of year is rather unusual. It certainly doesn’t happen every year. Even last year, we didn’t hit the 90s in June.”
Here’s what you need to know about the potential for extreme heat in central Pennsylvania and beyond over the next few weeks.
How hot is it going to get in State College this June?
If the latest forecasts hold up, the area could see high temperatures in the low and mid-90s starting next week.
As of Friday morning, AccuWeather’s forecasts for the State College area call for a high temperature of 93 degrees Fahrenheit Monday, followed by highs of 92 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday brings a high of 89 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms before Friday heats back up with a 95-degree high temperature.
State College is expected to observe highs in the mid-to-upper 80s for the rest of June, which could bring relative relief following a week of sweltering temperatures.
“For the rest of this month, there are going to be more days where temperatures are above what we usually see than below,” Kines said Wednesday. “That’s not to say we’re going to have 14 days of 90s degrees or higher, but once the heat gets broken the first time, it could certainly come back shortly after that.”
Kines added that humidity is expected to stay high as above-average temperatures enter the State College area.
“A lot of the heat is going to come with humidity, which can make it feel up to 5 or 10 degrees hotter than the actual temperature,” he said. “Buckle up and get ready, because it’s coming.”
High temperatures next week could threaten to break some long-held records for State College, according to the National Weather Service. The highest maximum temperature recorded for June 17 sits at 95 from 1957, while June 18 through 21 each have record-highest temperatures of 94 degrees recorded between 1923 and 1957, archive data shows.
The State College area set new records for high minimum temperatures during that date range as recently as 2022, when the low temperature June 17 reached just 72 degrees.
Why is central Pennsylvania facing a heat wave in June?
Though many factors play into temperature changes, the coming heat wave is likely a product of jet streams. Even slight movements and shifts for these winds can significantly affect temperatures and other conditions across the country, Kines said.
“To simplify it as much as I can, we weather people often talk about the jet stream, which is up about 25,000 feet and guides weather systems across the country,” Kines said. “It also separates the cooler air to the north and the warmer air to the south. When the jet stream is farther south, it allows the cooler air to come in. But when it pushes north, it allows a lot of that hot air from the south or the west to get in here. We’re going to see that next week, and the jet stream could remain to our north and west for a couple of days.”
Above-average temperatures could keep the ground dry in central Pennsylvania, where rain has become less frequent in June. The State College area has received just about 0.42 inches of precipitation so far this month — far below the average of 1.92 inches that would typically fall in the first half of June.
“I suspect by next week we’re going to be wishing for rain,” Kines said. “These heat waves and a lack of rain often go hand in hand, and that seems like it might be the case next week.”
Earlier this spring, AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Alex DaSilva told the Centre Daily Times he expected a drier summer with above-average temperatures for central Pennsylvania. Those conditions could be affected by the waning El Niño climate system and the potential arrival of its sister, La Niña, which could bring warmer, wetter weather to the northeastern U.S. later this year if it develops. La Niña patterns are also associated with more active and severe hurricane seasons.
How can you stay cool when a heat wave strikes?
Staying comfortable and safe during periods of above-average heat in the summer can be a challenge, but you can take several steps to reduce the risk of adverse conditions.
“If you can choose when you’re out during the day when high temperatures are expected, it’s best to be outside early in the day or at the end of the day when the heat isn’t so extreme,” Kines said. “Certainly, community pools are an option for cooling off. If your neighbor has a pool, you might want to buddy up to them.”
Be sure to check on your pets and the elderly as high temperatures strike. Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, hats and a layer of sunscreen can go a long way, too.
Keeping your home cool without breaking the bank can be challenging, as well. Here are a few recommendations from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission that don’t require lowering the thermostat:
- Fan yourself or turn on an electric fan or ceiling fan to circulate indoor air.
- Spend time in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
- Use window blinds and coverings while the sun is out to reduce unwanted heat buildup indoors.
- Try to use heat-producing appliances like dryers, dishwashers and stoves while it’s cooler outside in the morning or evening.
- Consider cooking outdoors on your grill or using a microwave. Ovens typically produce additional indoor heat.
Keeping your air conditioner filters clean and up to date can help maintain efficiency in your home. Be sure to also turn off nonessential lights and appliances, close off unused rooms and seal up any cracks and openings to prevent warmer air from getting inside.
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