'Protect yourself': With sweltering heat wave on way for region, emergency officials urge safety
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A wave of extreme heat will blanket much of the eastern U.S. starting Sunday.
The heat wave will bring temperatures as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit through Tuesday in Johnstown, and just a few degrees less than that in Somerset, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
Factoring in humidity and the region's recent wet, chilly weather, it will feel even hotter, NWS meteorologist Michael Colbert said. That could create trouble if people aren't careful in western Pennsylvania, he said.
'Certainly we're not acclimated to this heat, given how wet it has been,' Colbert said.
The weather will likely mean plenty of sunshine, but also dangerous heat and UV radiation levels, he added.
More than 700 people die from heat-related illnesses every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Safety tips
Local emergency officials urged residents to avoid the worst of the heat – and to take precautions to stay safe through the sweltering stretch.
'Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,' said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania.
In a telephone interview Friday, Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis echoed Martinez's message. He said the main thing people can do is stay indoors and avoid too much sun exposure.
People who don't have adequate means to keep their homes cool, such as air conditioning, should find somewhere that does, Landis advised.
Somerset County will use its six senior centers as public 'cooling centers' daily while high temperatures persist. They will operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cambria County's nine senior activities centers will also be open to the public if needed next week, Cambria County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Davis said.
'If anyone needs to get out of the heat, regardless of their age ... they can go to our senior centers,' Davis said.
Davis and Landis said emergency management officials will be monitoring the situation as temperatures rise and needs potentially become apparent. If additional cooling centers need to be opened, steps will be taken, Davis said.
For those who do go outdoors, find shady areas or cool off at a pool – but limit periods of outdoor exposure, Colbert advised. He reminded people to apply sunscreen regularly and to wear a hat and light, loose, breathable clothing.
The American Red Cross advises people to drink at least a glass of water every hour to stay hydrated.
'If outages occur'
Davis said communication will also be ongoing with Cambria County's hospitals, which may also be needed if dehydration and heat exhaustion cases become an issue.
Landis said Somerset County emergency management officials will be monitoring locations that could need support if power outages occur, such as personal care homes or hospitals.
'If outages occur, we'll be ready to assist those facilities with whatever resources we have,' Landis said.
The key message to the region's communities was for people to look after one another. Check in on neighbors and loved ones who might be susceptible to the heat, Landis and Davis advised. Red Cross officials agreed.
'We're asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes,' Martinez said. 'You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.'
People were also reminded to never leave children or pets alone in parked cars, which can become extremely hot in a short amount of time.
Colbert said people should also avoid over-exerting themselves, and urged people to consider avoiding the hottest period of the day to tackle outdoor projects.
'If any community needs arise, call 911,' Davis said.
Colbert said the temperatures will surge due to an expansive high-pressure system that will trap hot air over the eastern U.S. It will bring drier air and a likely break from the recent stormy system, but also potentially record-setting temperatures, forecasters added.
Colbert said conditions will likely improve after Wednesday as chances for cooler conditions and rain increase.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Monsoon storms brewing over burn scars may create daily flooding threat in Ruidoso
As monsoon rain heads into the Ruidoso area, burn scars left behind from last year's South Fork and Salt Fire have the potential to turn even the smallest amount of rain into dangerous runoff, especially in flood-prone areas. Thunderstorms are expected to continue over the Sacramento Mountains on Friday, June 20, with more moisture moving into the region over the weekend and into next week, according to Mike Hardiman, forecaster with the National Weather Service. "We have a nice plume of moisture coming up from Mexico that really establishes itself on Sunday," Hardiman said. "It doesn't look like it's going to go anywhere for a while. Once we get into Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, we have the most moisture over the area, and every day you're going to get thunderstorms." While the monsoon officially began a few days ago, Ruidoso had already experienced heavy flooding during a storm on June 19, when roads were once again transformed into rivers and drainage areas were filled with moving water. A viral video captured people racing up stairs as flooding moved through Brady Canyon. The images are similar to what Ruidoso experienced in 2024, after the South Fork and Salt Fire ravaged the terrain. The burn scars left behind from the wildfires continue to impact flooding and may persist for years to come, Hardiman said. "It's just going to be a case of dumb luck whether you get a storm to form over the wrong place at the wrong time — the wrong place in this case being the burn scars," Hardiman said. "That's what happened yesterday (June 19), there wasn't a lot of thunderstorms across the Sacramento Mountains, it just happened to form in the worst spot." While thunderstorms brewing over burn scars are a continuous threat, there is a higher probability that rain will hit the areas impacted by last year's wildfires on Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, according to the National Weather Service. With a daily threat of flooding during the monsoon, Hardiman said to always heed warnings from local emergency management and understand where the flood-prone areas are located. The areas around drainage are where water accumulates the most, but debris under bridges can also disperse water in places that don't normally get flooding, Hardiman explained. "I wouldn't let it (the rain) ruin my plans, but I would adjust my plans," he said. "It's not the best time to be planning a picnic on the Rio Ruidoso. Just keep yourself as informed as possible." If you are a Ruidoso resident or planning a visit, the village has released a real-time road conditions map. The RAIN (Ruidoso Alert Information Network) map is provided to inform the public about flooded roads and is continuously updated, according to the Village of Ruidoso. The map also displays any active wildfires in the area. Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often, flash floods can occur within minutes, sometimes without any visible sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind. Create a Communications Plan Assemble an Emergency Kit Know Your Risk Sign Up for Notifications Prepare Your Home Prepare your Family/Pets Charge Your Essential Electronics Leave During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates. Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity. Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@ @NatassiaPaloma on X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. More: Nuclear waste in Texas? What to know about latest Supreme Court ruling that allows it This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso weather: Storms over burn scars may create daily flooding
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
El Paso, Southern New Mexico at risk of flash flooding during upcoming Monsoon storms
The monsoon season is off to an active start in El Paso and the surrounding region, as rainstorms are expected to hit the Borderland. El Paso has a 30% chance of precipitation on Saturday, June 21, with chances increasing through Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, according to the National Weather Service. El Paso, along with parts of southern New Mexico, has a slight risk for flash flooding on both Monday and Tuesday. "We could be getting some decent rain here in El Paso," said Mike Hardiman, forecaster with the National Weather Service. "It's a good start (to the monsoon), since we need the rain and we need the cooler weather." As moisture moves in from Northern Mexico, temperatures are expected to drop from triple-digit heat to the upper 80s by next week — that's 10 to 12 degrees below normal. While the rain offers a break from the scorching heat, there is always a chance that a monsoonal storm can cause water to pool in certain areas. Thunderstorms may linger in one area for a period of time, dropping heavy rain and causing localized flooding, Hardiman said. "This is a daily thing that happens in the summer," Hardiman said. "You get a heavy enough rainstorm over the right spot, flooding can occur. We're expecting that we could run into some issues here." The monsoon season typically brings the most rainfall to the region, from June 15 to Sept. 30. This year, West Texas and most of New Mexico have equal chances for above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation. While the first days of monsoon are expected to be active, it doesn't mean it will stay that way. "The thing is that monsoon tends to come in these bursts," Hardiman said. "Sometimes they can last a week or two and we get a little break. So I wouldn't be surprised if we get to taper down a little bit, but hopefully we'll keep this pattern going where it stays relatively active without too many problems." More: 'We have a lot to be thankful for': Ruidoso rebuilds after fire and flood devastation During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates. Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity. Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@ @NatassiaPaloma on X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. More: What is Launch Site One? What to know about Texas site of Blue Origin spaceflights This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso, New Mexico at risk of flash flooding during upcoming storms
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Deadly severe weather outbreak heading east could cause 'ring of fire'
Forecasters warn the storm system is making its way eastward. Thunderstorms expected on the edges of a dome of hot air will have a "ring of fire" effect, according to AccuWeather. At least three people are dead in North Dakota after a round of severe weather that included multiple tornado reports, as forecasters warn the storm system is making its way eastward across parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The three people were killed on June 20 in rural Enderlin, North Dakota, in the southeastern part of the state, according the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to reports of tornado damage at a home there at about 11:40 p.m., and when they arrived, the fire department told them that storm chasers had located two of the victims. A third person was found dead at another location, the sheriff's office said. The severe storms swept through parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota on June 20, with high winds, hail and multiple reported tornadoes. The National Weather Service in Bismarck, North Dakota, said a wind gust of 101 mph was recorded at the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network station northwest of Linton. Tornadoes caused damage to homes and hail was measured at over 3.5 inches in diameter, preliminary reports to the Storm Prediction Center said. Wind gusts downed trees and power lines, the reports said. More than 75,000 people were without power across North Dakota and Minnesota the morning of June 21, according to USA TODAY's power outage tracker. Severe weather to move east over the weekend The same complex of storms that originated in North Dakota is expected to move eastward through the Great Lakes region during the day on June 21 and into New York and New England by night, the National Weather Service said. The storms could bring localized flash flooding, strong wind gusts and hail. The storms come as much of the nation is undergoing a "significant and extremely dangerous heat wave" into next week, according to the weather service. Groups of thunderstorms expected to form on the edges of the dome of hot air will have a "ring of fire" effect, according to AccuWeather. Thunderstorms tend to erupt on the edges of a heat dome because high pressure is weakest in these areas, the outlet reported. The storm system could evolve into a derecho, a damaging wind event that spans hundreds of miles, AccuWeather reported. A derecho is also known as an "inland hurricane." Heat bakes eastern half of US Meanwhile, more than 150 million Americans were under some kind of advisory or warning for dangerous heat across much of the eastern half of the country. HEAT WAVE: Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe. Temperatures on June 21 are expected to meet or exceed 90 degrees in parts of over two dozen states, according to the weather service. Triple digits are expected in parts of Kansas, Nebraska and southwestern Minnesota. The heat wave is expected to last several days and extend eastward, with major cities along the East Coast including New York and Washington, D.C., expected to top 90 for five to seven consecutive days.
