LOCK HAVEN — No sooner had calendar summer begun than we are already under an Extreme Heat Watch, per the National Weather Service (NWS). The watch, which begins Sunday morning and lasts through Wednesday evening, calls for “heat index values over 105.”

As of Friday afternoon, the forecast is showing the worst of the heat set to arrive on Monday and Tuesday, with high temperatures near 100 both days.

Worse still, the night-time hours will not offer much refuge, with overnight lows only dipping into the low 70s — and with high humidity levels, those nights will be extremely muggy.

Heat-related injuries and illnesses obviously pick up during heat waves, but it should be noted that due to the abnormally cool and wet weather we’ve been having up until this point, we are also going to have to contend with the fact that we simply aren’t used to this level of heat yet this year.

Traditionally, temperatures tend to increase more gradually — titrating our tolerance levels from the 70s, to the 80s, to eventually the 90s during the peak of summer. With a sudden jump from temperatures in the 70s and low 80s to nearly 100, we will feel the effects of the heat much more quickly than the thermometer may lead us to believe.

If there is a blessing in this — for those of us who are not reptiles, anyway — it is that the clear, sunny skies and elevated temperatures will help actually effect some drying out. River levels have remained elevated for much of the last few months, and it is common to see pooling and ponding along the roadsides throughout the area — to say nothing of squelching through your yard.

The worst of the heat is expected to lift by Thursday, although it will still be quite warm with a high near 90. The extended forecast is showing highs consistently near 90 each day through the beginning of the following week, when we will finally get some relief and see temperatures drop back into the more seasonable low-mid 80s.

Precipitation-wise, some spotty showers and thunderstorms will be around on and off later next week and over the weekend, as instability will feed off the heat and humidity and spin up some classic summer storms. Long-range forecasts are showing a potential rainmaker associated with that temperature drop, but we will have to wait and see as we get closer, as it’s a little bit too far out to have much confidence.

In the meantime, Clinton County Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Kemmerer has provided some general heat safety tips to help residents stay cool during this heat wave:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine, sugar, and alcohol as they can dehydrate you.

Stay Cool

— Stay indoors as much as possible, preferably in air-conditioned places.

— If you don’t have air conditioning at home, seek out cooling centers, libraries, or shopping malls.

— Take cool showers or baths.

— Use fans to circulate air, but be aware that they may not be effective in very high temperatures (above 95°F).

— Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

— Minimize direct sun exposure and seek shade when outdoors.

Limit Outdoor Activities

Avoid strenuous activities or working outdoors during the hottest part of the day — typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you must be outside, schedule tasks for cooler times of the day.

Check on Vulnerable Individuals

Remember to check on family members, older adults, and neighbors, especially those with limited mobility or without access to air conditioning. Offer to help them find a cool place to stay.

Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles

Temperatures inside parked cars can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

Watch for Heat-Related Illnesses

Be aware of the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Kemmerer also provided information for specific guidelines for heat illnesses that include:

Heat Cramps

If experiencing muscle pains and spasms, move to a cooler location, remove excess clothing, and drink cool sports drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Heat Exhaustion

If experiencing symptoms like heavy sweating, paleness, or dizziness, move to an air-conditioned place, lie down, and loosen/remove clothing. Take a cool shower or bath, and sip cool sports drinks. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

Heat Stroke

This is a life-threatening condition. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler location, remove excess clothing, and cool them down using water and ice.