The York area will get blanketed with snow and sub-zero temperatures this weekend.

Just kidding. It's going to be a scorcher.

York residents should brace themselves for temperatures at or near 100 degrees by Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, in what could be a record high for July 7. An excessive heat watch will be in place Saturday.

Meteorologist Craig Evanego said temperatures will be in the upper 90s Saturday afternoon, with a chance to crack 100 degrees, right at York's record high.

The heat index, or how hot it will feel when accounting for humidity, will be 105 degrees Saturday, he said.

The National Weather Service's excessive heat watch will last throughout Saturday afternoon.

Evanego said people are advised to stay indoors, well hydrated, and in air conditioning if possible, especially infants and the elderly. The heat can be particularly dangerous for them, he said.

Friday will be in the mid-90s with a light wind, and a thunderstorms are possible Saturday night that could break up the heat.

"A cold front is expected to come through Saturday night," Evanego said.

And by cold, he means it will be down to the low 90s on Sunday, and in the 80s next week. The average high temperature for this point in July is usually in the 80s, he said.

Dealing with the heat: Unfortunately for thousands of wool-clad Civil War re-enactors, the Battle of Gettysburg was fought in early July 149 years ago and not in, say, balmy September.

But precautions will be taken, according to re-enactment official Justin Amato. Tents to provide shade will be strewn about the farm field used for the battle over the weekend, and he pointed out the battle segments are only a portion of the day's activities, so there will be time to rest.

And, although the soldiers of yesteryear didn't have it, today's re-enactors will be allowed to take a bottle of water or Gatorade with them to stay hydrated. Don't tell Gen. Meade.

For those who plan to stay indoors this weekend, Met-Ed spokesman Scott Surgeoner said the energy company is prepared for the potential increase in electricity use due to heavy air conditioning use.

"We don't believe there is going to be an issue with the supply of electricity," he said.

Which is good, because at the West Manchester Township Lowe's, air conditioning units are selling like, well, air conditioning units in a heat wave.

"There's a lot of demand for A/C, fans, water, anything that can help," said manager Brian Lingenfelter, who said supply is keeping up. "We expect to be fairly busy."

- Reach Andrew Shaw at ashaw@yorkdispatch.com