‘Nasty’ heat wave could break records in State College. When will relief arrive?

A scorching heat wave could bring record-high temperatures to Centre County ahead of the holiday weekend.

The high temperature in State College is expected to reach 89 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday before hitting 96 on Wednesday and nearing triple digits through the end of the week. The noxious combination of heat and humidity poses a significant risk of heat-related illnesses, according to an extreme heat watch issued by the National Weather Service for southern Centre County and much of central Pennsylvania through Friday evening.

The heat wave is expected to produce heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees, the NWS said, reflecting how the atmosphere will physically feel to the human body. Likewise, AccuWeather’s RealFeel values are expected to reach 104 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“It’s going to be extremely humid over these next couple of days,” AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said. “The humidity really starts on Wednesday before it becomes absolutely nasty leading into the holiday weekend.”

Thursday appears likely to be the hottest day this week with a projected high temperature of 97 degrees that would tie a 1931 record high for any July 2 in State College, according to NWS archive data. Current forecasts do not expect the heat wave to set new records on Wednesday (a record of 98 degrees in 1931), Friday (97 degrees in 1966) or on the Fourth of July (100 degrees in 1966).

State College has not recorded a high temperature exceeding 100 degrees since July 2011. This week’s projected high temperatures will easily exceed average highs for early July, which sit in the low 80s.

Little rain is expected to bring relief this week, though a strong thunderstorm or two could roll through the area on Friday or Saturday. The Fourth of July’s projected high temperature in State College will drop to 91 degrees, though the RealFeel index will reach 98 degrees.

“We might see the heat back off just a little bit on Saturday, but it’s still going to be quite nasty out there with those really high dew points and maybe some strong thunderstorms in the afternoon,” DaSilva said.

DaSilva said the more than 2.5 inches of rain that fell in State College in the last week will ironically keep high temperatures from cracking 100 degrees (at least on paper). All that moisture fuels high humidity and, in turn, makes it harder for the human body to evaporate perspiration and cool itself down.

Relief will arrive with projected high temperatures of 86 and 87 degrees on Sunday and Monday, respectively, according to AccuWeather. Highs in State College will return to seasonal norms in the low 80s.

In the meantime, people are encouraged to limit time outdoors during periods of extreme heat, avoid strain and take precautions by staying hydrated or cooling down in air-conditioned rooms. Even low temperatures this week — which are expected to reach the low 70s on the hottest days — will remain well above normal levels, presenting another risk for many.

“It’s going to be tough sleeping weather over these next couple of days if you don’t have air conditioning because it’ll be so humid and so warm during the overnight hours, potentially being dangerous,” DaSilva said.

How to beat the heat

Consider following these safety tips and suggestions from the American Red Cross to help stay cool:

• Drink a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty, and avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Eat healthy foods and snacks to replace salt lost when you sweat.
• If your home gets too hot, seek out air-conditioned places like local malls or libraries. Even shady spots 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.

Matt DiSanto

Centre Daily Times

814-231-4616

Matt is a 2022 Penn State graduate. Before arriving at the Centre Daily Times, he served as Onward State’s managing editor and a general assignment reporter at StateCollege.com. Support my work with a digital subscription