PENNSYLVANIA — A dangerously hot afternoon is incoming across Pennsylvania today Tuesday May 19, with widespread heat index values forecast to reach up to and over 90 degrees across the state and climbing as high as 95 to 98 degrees across southern and southeastern Pennsylvania including Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and surrounding communities during the peak heating hours of noon to 4 PM.
PA Weather Plus is urging all residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, check on elderly neighbors, and never leave children, pets, or anyone unattended in vehicles this afternoon.
Heat Index Hitting 95 to 98 Degrees Across Southern and Southeastern Pennsylvania
The highest heat index values today are concentrated across southern and southeastern Pennsylvania, where the combination of warm temperatures and low-mid 60s dewpoints will push the feels-like temperature to 95 to 98 degrees across communities including Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, York, Lancaster, West Chester, Norristown, Allentown, and Stroudsburg.
A 90 to 95 degree heat index zone covers State College, Lewistown, Sunbury, Pottsville, and Pittsburgh, making the heat discomfort widespread across virtually the entire southern half of Pennsylvania this afternoon.
Northern communities including Erie, Warren, Meadville, and the Wellsboro corridor will see heat index values in the 85 to 90 degree range, remaining somewhat cooler but still significantly warmer than what Pennsylvania residents have experienced through the cooler first half of May.
Peak Danger Window Noon to 4 PM With Strenuous Outdoor Activities Strongly Discouraged
The hottest and most dangerous period of today’s heat event runs from noon through 4 PM across Pennsylvania, when heat index values will be at their peak across the southern and southeastern portions of the state.
Residents planning outdoor activities are strongly encouraged to complete any strenuous work or exercise before noon or after 4 PM, and to stay well hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the afternoon hours regardless of activity level.
The unusually sharp nature of this heat event following a notably cooler first half of May means many Pennsylvania residents are not yet acclimatized to the heat, making today’s conditions feel significantly more taxing than similar temperatures would feel later in the summer season. Stay with GordonRamsayClub.com for the latest updates.
Leave a Reply