BEATING THE HEAT

Lehigh Valley residents looking for places to cool off

A heat wave hit the Lehigh Valley on Thursday and Friday, and some areas are offering places for residents to cool down while temperatures reach the mid-90s.

The National Weather Service said in addition to the high temperatures, the heat index will exceed 100 degrees on both days. A heat advisory was issued starting at 11 a.m. Thursday.

While Northampton and Lehigh counties do not run cooling centers, individual municipalities in both counties are offering ways to stay cool.

In Allentown, Mack Pool is free for all residents through Friday. Additionally, there will be a cooling station with fire trucks at Irving Park and Roosevelt Park from noon to 3 p.m.

In Easton, officials are opening fire hydrants at the following eight locations:

Wilkes Barre and McKeen streets Milton and Reynolds streets

Charles and Kleinhans streets

11th and Butler streets

12th Street side of Paxinosa School 9th and Jackson streets 11th and Ferry streets

Porter Street at March School

The hydrants will be open from noon until 6 p.m. both days.

Bucks County will have cooling centers open for seniors and those experiencing homeless. In Upper Bucks County, the Riegelsville Borough Hall at 615 Easton Road is open as a cooling center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Northampton County said senior centers are open Monday through Friday for older adults needing a cool environment. Residents are asked to contact the county agency on aging at 610-829-4540 to find a local center.

Those who are attending the Iron Pigs games against the Syracuse Mets were allowed to bring a clear-only bottles or containers of water into the ballpark Thursday and Friday. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Officials recommend residents stay indoors and in air conditioning as much as possible to avoid heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

In addition to the heat, forecasters predicted severe storms could hit the Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

The heat is expected to break over the weekend following storms Saturday.

RICK KINTZEL/MORNING CALL PHOTOS Children cool off Thursday at Roosevelt Park in Allentown by spraying water, thanks to the Allentown Fire Department. On Friday, the Valley will be under a heat advisory, with a heat index of about 100 degrees.

A camper cools off by drinking melted ice water Thursday at Roosevelt Park in Allentown.