Dangerously hot: Weather service issues excessive heat watch for central Pennsylvania

Feeling faint? 

It is dangerously hot in southcentral Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service said. 

The government agency has issued an excessive heat watch, which is now in effect through Monday evening for Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Franklin and Adams counties. The heat index, which combines temperature with humidity, could reach 103 degrees. 

Temperatures themselves will be in the upper 90s and it will be hottest during the afternoon Sunday and Monday.

The National Weather Service said given how hot and oppressive the incoming air mass is, it will likely be just as uncomfortable out once the sun goes down. 

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation that could lead to heat-related illnesses. 

"Excessive heat can be life-threatening among at-risk populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions," the advisory notes. 

The National Weather Service advises people to drink plenty, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Also remember to wear lightweight or loose-fitting clothes. 

If you do work outside, it is suggested you reschedule strenuous activities for the early morning or evening. 

Heat safety tips

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness.

Here are a few tips from the National Weather Service for keeping yourself healthy and safe in extreme heat. 

• Slow down: reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun.
• Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when the room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. 
• Don't leave valuable electronic equipment, such as cell phones and GPS units, sitting in hot cars.

It is never safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car, the weather service said.

If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Kids play in cars and can get locked in.

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