IntroA practical guide from Poconos.best on how to handle rising temperatures, adjust outdoor plans, and stay safe during the current heat wave in the Pocono Mountains.
If you’ve stepped outside lately, you already know: summer in the mountains isn’t always a cool breeze. With the current heat wave settling over the Poconos, we are seeing temperatures and humidity levels that can turn a great summer day into a dangerous situation if you aren't prepared.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the week, the heat right now is nothing to brush off. Here is a practical guide from the Poconos.best team on how to handle the rising temperatures, adjust your plans, and look out for our community.
Rethink Your Outdoor Plans We all want to make the most of summer, but right now is the time to pace yourself. If you were planning to hike the Glen Onoko Falls trail, bike through the Lehigh Gorge, or spend all day out in the sun, you might want to pivot.
Limit your strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or the late evening when the sun is lower. If you are heading out to Lake Wallenpaupack, Beltzville, or one of our local state parks, make sure you have access to plenty of shade. Water reflects the sun, meaning you can overheat faster than you realize even if the water itself feels refreshing.
Finding Air Conditioning Not every home or cabin in the Poconos is equipped with central air. If your house is heating up, don't try to just tough it out.
Spend a few hours in public, air-conditioned spaces. The Stroud Mall, local movie theaters, and public libraries across Monroe, Carbon, Pike, and Wayne counties are great places to cool your core temperature down. If you need to find an official cooling center near you, the fastest way is to dial 2-1-1 on your phone or visit PA211.org. The state keeps an updated list of open, air-conditioned public spaces specifically for heat waves.
Hydration (And No, Beer Doesn't Count) It sounds obvious, but drink more water than you think you need. By the time you actually feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Keep a water bottle with you at all times.
If you are lounging by the lake or out on a boat, be careful with alcohol and caffeine. Both will dehydrate you much faster in this heat. Alternate every summer drink with a large glass of water.
Check on Your Neighbors The Poconos is a community that looks out for one another. Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Take five minutes today to call or knock on the door of your elderly neighbors or family members. Make sure their fans or AC units are working and that they have cold water in the fridge.
A Quick Word on Pets and Cars Mountain weather can sometimes trick us into thinking it’s cooler than it is. Please leave your dogs at home in the AC rather than taking them for a ride. The interior of a parked car can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked. And if you are walking your dog, do it early or late in the day—if the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Know When to Get Help Keep an eye out for heat exhaustion. If you or someone you are with is sweating heavily, feels dizzy, weak, or nauseous, get into the AC immediately and sip cold water. If someone stops sweating entirely, has hot, dry skin, and seems confused, that is heat stroke. It is a medical emergency, and you need to call 911 right away.
Stay smart, stay hydrated, and let's get through this heat wave safely.
— The Poconos.best Team