The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday and an extreme heat watch for the remainder of the week as dangerously high temperatures are forecast for Northeastern and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
High temperatures in the mid to high 80s are expected to arrive on Tuesday and are forecast to climb as the week progresses, hitting 97 to 99 degrees by Friday in urban and valley areas, according to the weather service.
Higher elevations such as Hazleton should see it a few degrees cooler.
But, because of high humidity, those highs in the 90s could produce a heat index, or “feel-like temperature,” as hot as 105 degrees, said Mike Kistner, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service station in Binghamton, New York.
“Basically, there’s a big heat dome of high pressure centered over the Central United States. The flow around the high-pressure system will be clockwise, pulling very warm air from the South and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. That tropical-like moisture as well as the heat will produce a real sticky type of air,” Kistner said.
“Even with temperatures dropping into the 70s overnight, it will still feel uncomfortable,”he said.
People cool off at Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville on Monday, June 29, 2026. (John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
PLAY IT SAFE
The American Red Cross is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond if needed, according to a news release from the national nonprofit.
The Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat:
• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it.
“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. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”
Also, don’t forget your furry friends. Don’t leave your pets in a vehicle, even for a few minutes. Make sure they always have access to fresh water and make sure they have a shaded area if outside. Hot pavements during heat waves can burn their paws.
People cool off at Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville on Monday, June 29, 2026. (John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS
Extreme heat can make anyone sick and it’s critical to act fast. The Red Cross recommends learning the warning signs and knowing what to do so you can react quickly.
Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.
Heat exhaustion is more serious and signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool, wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by calling 911. Move to a cool place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water.
Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions or disabilities. Individuals who take certain medications are at higher risk for heat related injury and illness and should consult their medical provider for guidance on managing their medication during periods of extreme heat.
Athletes, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning are also at higher risk for heat illness.
A child plays on the splash pad at Novembrino Park in Scranton on Monday, June 29, 2026. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
ADDITIONAL ADVICE
Here are more steps to help keep you safe as temperatures rise:
• Think about how you’ll stay cool. If you have air conditioning, make sure it’s working properly. Consider where you can go to cool off if the power goes out.
• If you don’t have air conditioning and your home becomes too hot, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and what you’ll take with you.
• If you are older, pregnant, take medication or have a chronic condition or disability, your body may have a harder time cooling down during extreme heat. Talk to your doctor about how you can stay healthy.
• Make sure you have supplies to keep medication cool and equipment charged, especially during a power outage.
• If you’re an athlete, think about how you can alter your exercise schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day or work out indoors.
• If you work outdoors, find out if you can alter your schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day. Consider how you’ll stay hydrated and find a cool place to take breaks.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to stay updated about heat waves and the location of open cooling centers.
• Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
STAY COOLER FOR LESS
PPL Electric also recommends trying these simple energy-saving tips to reduce your energy use today:
• Make sure drapes and shades are pulled down during the day to block out the hot sun.
• Set thermostats between 72 and 78 degrees. Customers will save energy for every degree higher they can set their thermostats.
• Try not to use large appliances like dishwashers, stoves, washers and dryers during the warmest hours of the day.
Also, keeping a fan on will help you feel cooler and you’ll have less need for air conditioning.