The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and Washington County, Maryland, warning residents of potentially life-threatening conditions as the region faces a prolonged period of extreme heat and humidity.
The heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. EDT Sunday, with heat index values expected to reach 103. An extreme heat watch is also in place for Monday, with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values possibly climbing to 107. In the Lower Susquehanna Valley, an extreme heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values over 105 expected in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
Heat-related illnesses are expected to increase significantly, especially on Monday and Tuesday, when the risk is highest. Overnight temperatures will remain elevated, offering little relief.
Officials urge residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and remain in air-conditioned rooms. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at greatest risk.
Franklin County is responding by extending hours at three senior activity centers, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday for residents ages 60 and older:
- Chambersburg: 600 Norland Ave., Suite 11
- Greencastle: 10615 Antrim Church Road
- Tuscarora: 11300 Fort Loudon Road, Mercersburg
Five additional senior centers will operate under normal hours for older residents seeking relief:
- Mont Alto: 517 S. Main St.; open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Path Valley: 20344 School Road, Dry Run; open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- St. Thomas: 6444 Lincoln Way West; open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Upper Strasburg: 9843 Community Road; open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Waynesboro: 11359 Anthony Highway; open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Staff will continue to monitor the weather and may announce additional extended hours as needed. For more information, contact the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging at 717-263-2153 or visit the agency’s website.
Residents are reminded to check on relatives and neighbors, especially those most vulnerable to heat, and to ensure pets have adequate water and shade. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Local officials in Washington County, Maryland, are also preparing for heat-related safety measures, though specific cooling center locations were not immediately available. Residents are encouraged to seek air-conditioned environments and stay hydrated throughout the heat wave.
