Look for near record temps in York this weekend

• For tips on how to stay cool during a heat wave, visit redcross.org

It's going to be a hot one this weekend, with temperatures in the mid-90s on Saturday and Sunday, according to meteorologists.

The warm front that formed over the Midwest is now moving toward the East Coast, causing temperatures to soar nearly 10 degrees higher than average for this time of July.

"The heat index could be around 100," said Paul Head, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College. "Friday we may have a band of thunderstorms coming through, increasing the humidity."

High humidity Friday mixed with the high heat can make the weather seem worse, according to Tom Kines, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather in State College. The humidity can add about five degrees to the actual temperature.

However, the humidity should be relatively low the rest of the weekend and into the start of the week.

"The heat might be oppressive, but the humidity won't be," Kines said. "It'll probably feel close to 100 degrees. The record temperature is 100 on Saturday and Sunday. That was in 1991. We'll come close, but we probably won't hit it."

A weak front should push temperatures back down to the normal mid- to high 80s late Monday into Tuesday, Kines said.

Beat the heat: Extreme heat like this can cause multiple health issues, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration, the American Red Cross said in a news release. Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colors can help alleviate some of the heat absorbed by your body.

Officials advise residents not to leave pets or children in cars during the day, even for a minute. Temperatures can reach 120 degrees very quickly inside a car, causing health issues and even death for those inside.

The American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Chapter also tweeted advice for staying cool this weekend. Postponing outdoor games and activities until the evening hours can make them a little more bearable.

If people don't have air conditioning, they can go to libraries, schools, malls and theaters during the warmest part of the day, which is usually from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Head said there are a ton of other ways to cool down, too.

"My favorite is to submerge yourself in water, up to the hair follicles," he said. "Then breathe through a snorkel."

For more tips on how to stay cool this weekend, visit redcross.org.

— Reach Katherine Ranzenberger at kranzenberger@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @YDKatherine.