SHAMOKIN - It's supposed to be a scorcher this week, and staff at the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool are ready for it.
"With high temperatures, we expect a lot more people," said Paula Gilger, staff member at the Rock Street pool.
The staff pay attention to the weather and the temperatures and make accommodations as they deem appropriate. This means more staff and more supplies in the food area.
With the increasing temperatures, Gilger said attendance has been climbing and more family passes have been sold than originally expected.
First heat wave of summer
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting the first heat wave of the summer, and expect temperatures to reach the 90s today and continuing through next week.
"It doesn't look like there will be any records broken, but that could change," said NWS meteorologist Tony Mach. "It's the third week in July. We get these types of temperatures in Pennsylvania, so they're not unusual."
Today is expected to be mostly sunny, hot and humid with high temperatures in the lower 90s. Tonight, it will be partly cloudy and humid with low temperatures in the mid 60s. Wednesday is expected to be the same.
Thursday will be mostly sunny, hot and humid. High temperatures will be in the mid-90s, but will feel like it's 100 degrees, due to the humidity, said Mach.
Friday will be slightly hotter with temperatures in the mid-90s and the heat index ranging from 100 to 104 degrees. The heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine the perceived temperature.
It won't be until Monday that the 90s will break and the temperature will drop to the upper 80s, Mach said.
"There looks to be a cold front Sunday night to drop the temperature a little," he said.
Beware of heat stroke
Sunbury Community Hospital issued a media release Monday, outlining the causes and treatments of heat stroke.
"Generally, the human body can control its own temperature by producing sweat, which then evaporates and cools the skin," the document said. "However, heat from internal metabolism, outdoor temperatures and intense physical activity can sometimes overwhelm the body's internal temperature control, leading to heat stroke."
Heat stroke, which is sometimes fatal, occurs as a result of abnormally elevated body temperature, or hyperthermia, when the body's internal temperature reaches 104 degrees.
A person can have a heat stroke when engaging in physical activity in the heat, but not replenishing fluids adequately because the body doesn't have enough fluid to produce sweat.
Treat immediately
Because heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition, it is important to treat an individual as soon as symptoms are apparent. Symptoms include high body temperature, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior or hallucinations, confusion or disorientation, seizure, dry mouth, agitation and cramped muscles.
To treat a heat stroke victim, move the person to a cool, shaded area, preferably an air conditioned space. Remove the person's clothing, and either spray with water, immerse the person in a cool bath or wrap in cool, wet towels. Place ice packs under the person's armpits and near the groin and fan the patient. Call 911 and check the person's temperature regularly until help arrives.
To prevent heat stroke, consume plenty of water and sports drinks to keep the body hydrated, replace lost energy and maintain a normal body temperature. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine, which can cause dehydration. Take frequent water breaks and wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Schedule outdoor activities during the morning and evening hours to avoid the hottest times of the day.