113-Degree Heat? Bad PA Weather About To Get Worse

That ugly weather that's been lingering in Eastern Pennsylvania for days? It's not going away anytime soon. A potentially dangerous heatwave is expected through Sunday, and record high temperatures are possible.

A hazardous weather outlook and an excessive heat warning have been issued across the region for the next three days as the heat index is supposed to spike past 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The heat index, which takes the real temperature and humidity into account, is supposed to hit anywhere from 102 to 107 on Friday afternoon. The heat index is supposed to be at its worst at 5 p.m.

Then it will zoom anywhere from 108 to 113 on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon.

The excessive heat warning is in place through 10 p.m. Sunday. Overnight lows will range mainly in the upper 70s and the lower 80s.

The most dangerous of the heat and humidity will occur from mid afternoon into the early evening each day, the NWS warns. Residents should be mindful to limit outdoor activities, as heat at this level can cause heat stress or heat stroke. Also, remember to drink water, wear loose clothing, and check on your elderly neighbors. Don't leave pets outside or in cars. Here are additional heat safety tips.

Governor Tom Wolf issued a statement on the heatwave, saying Pennsylvanians "need to take these heat warnings very seriously."

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has provided a “Summer Heat Wave” fact sheet to provide tips on conserving energy and ensuring a cool indoor environment:

• Turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible.
• Postpone using appliances that produce heat, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until after 7 p.m. These appliances also use significant amounts of electricity adding to the demand on an electric infrastructure that is already stressed during peak hours due to heat.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate the air, keeping rooms and you cooler.
• Close curtains or window blinds to block sunlight and heat or relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
• If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use.
• Make sure all air conditioner filters are clean and in good shape.
• Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear.
• On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods.

Here is the local forecast:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82.