County Cautions Residents about Excessive Heat Watch

Bucks County released this message today: 

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch that goes into effect Thursday and continues through Monday. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s and with the humidity may make it feel close to 100 degrees.

The Board of Bucks County Commissioners and county Emergency Services Director John Dougherty caution residents to the dangers that a combination of hot temperatures and high humidity can bring.

Extreme hot weather can cause serious heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Unless restricted, drink plenty of water and/or non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration. Minimize time spent outdoors and stay out of the sun whenever possible. The best approach during a heat wave is to remain indoors with an air-conditioner or in a ventilated room with a fan.

The public is encouraged to check frequently on elderly neighbors, friends and family members. The county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) reminds seniors that while everyone should take precautions, seniors are especially vulnerable to effects from the heat. 

Symptoms of a possible heat injury include faintness, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and heavy sweating. For more information on symptoms and treatment relating to the elderly, visit the CDC Web sitehttp://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/elderlyheat.asp. As with any emergency, call 9-1-1 when necessary. The elderly also may call 215-348-0510 for help during this period of extreme heat.

Here's the local forecast:

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90. West wind between 6 and 9 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind between 3 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. West wind between 5 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Chance of precipitation is 20%.