Heat Wave Heading to Pennsylvania

This summer has had some cool temperatures in Pennsylvania and throughout the region. I'm used to heat wave weather in August, but I've only been able to go to a pool once, because the days I'm available, it's either raining or too cold to go swimming. Of course, Pennsylvania had a very mild winter, so one could say it's all evening out. But, regardless, I want to at least feel like I've had a summer before the season ends. If you're like me and craving hot temperatures, then you're in luck, because a Pennsylvania heat wave is on the way.

Monday night (Aug. 19), I went out to a patio around 8:30 p.m. wearing shorts and an oversized sweatshirt. I thought for sure I'd be warm enough. But, by 10 p.m., I was freezing. I think wearing the shorts was a way for me to rebel against this fall-like weather we're experiencing, but in the end, Mother Nature won.

Now, a heat wave is going to start working its way into the Keystone State. According to Weather.com, Tuesday (Aug. 20) is another very cool one in most of Pennsylvania, with temperatures topping out at just about 73. But, things will start to trend upward. Wednesday (Aug. 21), Philadelphia will get a little warmer, to about 75, but by early next week, we're looking at consistent temperatures in the lower 90s again. The long range forecast calls for temperatures to dip again at the end of the month going into Labor Day, but time will tell, because that's quite a ways off.

So, what about rain? Get those watering systems out, because the forecast for the rest of the month has little, or no, rain in Pennsylvania. Looking at the long range forecast, there's literally no rainy days predicted from now through Labor Day. This could all change, of course, but for now, it's looking very dry. That's a great thing for outdoor activities but not a good thing for trying to grow things.

With temperatures expected to get into the 90s in August, it's good to exercise warm weather safety tips. The Red Cross reminds us to drink enough water in hot weather. "An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily," they state, adding that, "Everyone's needs may vary." They also say to try to avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks if you think you're getting dehydrated, because those dehydrate you more.

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"