Heat wave set to hit Centre County after a rainy stretch. How hot will it get?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Centre County faces a heat wave with highs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit next week.
- Heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees early in the week.
- Thunderstorm activity will add to above-average June rainfall.
A warm air mass is set to smother the East Coast next week, leading to potentially record-high temperatures in Centre County.
Temperatures are expected to reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit from Sunday through Wednesday next week before cooling down to the mid-80s in the back half of the week, according to AccuWeather. Due to the humidity, the heat index is projected to reach over 100 degrees early in the week and remain in the 90s until Sunday, June 29.
The heat wave could break some long-standing records, with Monday and Tuesday’s predicted high of 94 degrees surpassing records from 1966 and 1952, respectively.
Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, advised those who are outside in the heat to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks from working and other physical activity. He also said wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing can help, as well as wearing a brimmed hat.
“If you don’t have a pool and your neighbor does, now’s the time to make sure that you’re on good terms with them, because you’ll probably want to use it next week,” Kines said.
On top of the high temperatures, there’s expected to be several thunderstorms next week, continuing a trend of increased precipitation so far this month. Kines said Thursday that Centre County would normally expect 2-2.5 inches of rain halfway through June, but there’s already been between 4-4.5 inches of rain this month.
Kines said the thunderstorms are from a slow-moving weather system that’s unrelated to the heat wave that’s passing through. Whether to stay cool or to stay dry, he said people should stay inside with air conditioning as much as possible.
Other tips for staying safe in extreme heat
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania released tips for how to stay safe during extreme heat. It recommends staying hydrated by drinking a cup of water every hour while avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Babies should also be breast-fed or bottle-fed more often.
To stay cool, the Red Cross recommend spending time in air-conditioned spaces, including libraries or malls. Taking cold showers and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes can also help with cooling off. It also said to never leave a child or pet inside of a parked car.
The Red Cross also recommends keeping an ice-filled cooler stocked with food, water and medicine in case the power goes out.
Heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can result from the body not being able to cool properly during extreme heat.
Heat cramps are signified by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Heat exhaustion is signified by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. In both cases, it’s important to stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and slowly sip water. Loosening clothes and placing a cool wet cloth on your body can help alleviate symptoms.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. In this situation, first call 911, and then move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or cool bath to cool down. Do not drink anything.
More information on how to stay safe in extreme heat can be found on the American Red Cross website.
This story was originally published June 19, 2025 at 3:37 PM.
