Heat advisory in place as Centre County nears record temps. When will relief arrive?
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- Centre County faces a heat advisory as temperatures near record highs.
- Humidity near 90% and calm winds will worsen the heat index, raising health concerns.
- Temperatures drop Thursday with storms expected to bring relief and cooler air.
A heat advisory is underway as high temperatures approach records in Happy Valley this week.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for most of central Pennsylvania, including Centre County, from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday. The advisory says heat index values may exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which may raise the risk of heat-related illnesses.
“This level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” the advisory reads. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
State College’s high temperature will reach 92 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, the agency predicts. The projected highs will fall just shy of State College’s all-time record highs for July 29 (94 degrees) and July 30 (95 degrees) set in 1940, according to NWS almanac data.
Conditions should feel even warmer with humidity nearing 90% and winds staying at or below 5 miles per hour on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hot and humid conditions will influence the heat index, or apparent temperature, by making it harder to stay cool. When humidity, or atmospheric moisture content, is high, the human body has a harder time evaporating perspiration and cooling itself down, the agency writes.
“With temperatures close to or above 90 and the high humidity, it will be rough,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said. “If there’s at least a breeze blowing, it might feel a little bit better. But without a breeze, it’s just nasty out there.”
Kines encouraged Centre County residents to avoid prolonged periods outdoors while the heat advisory is in effect. Take precautions by hydrating properly, spending time in the shade or air conditioning and wearing light and loose clothing. Be sure to avoid leaving pets or children in the car.
This week’s heat won’t stick around for long in Centre County. High temperatures will return to the upper and mid-70s by Thursday, when showers and storms are expected to bring up to a half-inch of rain to State College. The latest NWS forecasts don’t project another high temperature above 80 degrees until Sunday.
How to beat the heat
Need help staying cool? Consider following these safety tips and suggestions from the American Red Cross:
- Drink a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty, and avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Be sure to eat healthy foods and snacks to replace the salt lost when you sweat.
- If your home gets too hot, seek out air-conditioned places like local malls or libraries. Even a shady spot outside may feel cooler than an indoor location without air conditioning.
- Limit outdoor activity to when it’s cooler outside, like the early morning or evening.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors and protect your head and face from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat with sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Check in on your neighbors, including the elderly who are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 12:20 PM.
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