SHAMOKIN - The fireworks will be hot tonight, and so will the temperatures.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Tony Mach reported that when the Shamokin fireworks start at 9:40 p.m. tonight, the temperatures should be in the upper 80s.
That will be slightly lower than earlier in the day. A heat advisory has been issued from noon to 6 p.m. today.
"It will be sunny, hazy, very hot and humid," Mach said.
Tonight, he added, there will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Residents of the county - who have already experienced a heat wave during the end of June and beginning of July when temperatures were in the 90s - will not be seeing another three days straight of above 90-degree weather for a while.
While Friday's high reached approximately 96 degrees in the late afternoon, Sunday is expected to be upper 80s and Monday is expected to bein the lower 80s, Mach said.
There's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday morning into the afternoon, he said.
The state Department of Health issued a reminder Friday to Pennsylvanians to take simple steps to prevent heat-related illnesses.
"Temperatures may feel over 100 degrees or more in many areas, so taking the proper precautions against heat-related illness will be very important," said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli Avila.
Healthy people of any age can experience heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to handle the high temperatures. Those at greatest risk are people over 65, infants and young children, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems or other chronic conditions.
Poor air quality often associated with hot weather can add to the health risks. Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, forms during warm weather when pollution from vehicles, industry, households and power plants "bakes" in the hot sun. Young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities when this occurs.
Individuals should do the following to avoid heat-related illness:
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible. Air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and don't wait until you are thirsty to drink liquids. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because they can cause dehydration.
- If you must be outside in the heat, limit activity to morning and evening hours, and try to rest often in shady areas.
- Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Also, use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
- Check on those who may be more at risk from high temperatures like infants, children or older individuals.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a minute.