A heat wave will engulf Pennsylvania for the rest of the week.

National Weather Service forecasters say a large ridge of high pressure parked over the central Appalachians will provide the state with mostly clear and hot weather for the next couple of days.

Heat advisories are in effect for the southeastern third of the state. Heat indexes – the feel-like temperature of the air based on temperature and humidity – are forecast to range from 100-104 degrees.

An air quality alert is in effect for Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Washington, Westomoreland and Fayette counties. The state Department of Environmental Protection says ozone levels will rise and air quality will stagnate.
There are some things residents can do to minimize their risk of succumbing to excessive heat and humidity.

• Stay out of the direct rays of the sun and seek shelter in the coolest place available. An air-conditioned building is preferable. Most shopping malls and theaters have air conditioning.
• Dress in lightweight and light colored clothing and avoid strenuous activities.
•  Drink plenty of water or other nonalcoholic drinks and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Eat less or eat lightly. Food consumption increases metabolic heat production and increases water loss in the body.
• Do not take salt tablets unless a physician specifies it. Those on salt restrictive diets should consult their physician before increasing salt intake.
• Look after family, friends and neighbors. Those are most susceptible to heat reactions include elderly senior citizens,. infants and small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications – especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics – and people with weight and alcohol problems.

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