ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With the Lehigh Valley gearing up for a heat wave to smother the region next week with temperatures in the high 90s expected and humidity levels on the rise, Allentown on Friday issued a heat advisory and resources and safety tips to deal with it.
Temperatures could reach the low 90s on Monday, with widespread highs in the 90s Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
“Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially young children and older adults."Allentown, in a city release
“Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially young children and older adults,” the city said in a release.
“Heat-related illnesses can cause significant injury and possibly death. Stay hydrated, stay indoors with air-conditioning if possible, and check on relatives and neighbors to ensure they are staying cool.
“Also, take extra care of pets during this heatwave. If someone is overcome by heat, move them to a cool, shaded spot. For heat strokes, heat-related, and other emergencies, please call 9-1-1."
Here is what Allentown wants residents to know:
Pools
Tuesday, June 18, to Friday, June 21, city pools will be open from noon-7 p.m. to residents and season pass holders only as capacity allows, at no cost. ID required. Once capacity for the day(s) is reached, no additional entry into the pools will be allowed that day.
- Cedar Beach Pool, 101 N. Ott St.
- Irving Pool, 731 N. Irving St.
- Mack Pool, 1901 Mack Blvd.
Public Air-Conditioned Buildings
Tuesday to Friday (unless otherwise indicated): Anyone, especially older adults, in need of air conditioning can visit these locations during the specified times.
- Allentown Public Library, 1210 Hamilton St., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Cumberland Gardens Community Room, 501 E Cumberland St, 3:30-7 p.m. (subject to change)
- Lehigh Valley Active Life 1633 Elm St. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (enter through the doors facing the parking lot.)
- PPL Center Lobby, 701 Hamilton St. (enter through the main WFMZ gate sliding doors) 10 a.m.-5p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Spray Parks
City spray parks will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. There is no cost to use the spray parks.
- Bucky Boyle Park, 10 Pump Place
- Old Fairgrounds, 5th Street between Gordon and Liberty streets.
- Valania Park, 531 Union St.
A reminder that city ordinance prohibits people from swimming or bathing in creeks or waterways within city parks, which presents both maintenance and safety concerns.
Water Curtains
Tuesday 6/18 to Friday 6/21: Cooling stations operated by Allentown Fire Department will be available from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Roosevelt Park, 271 Camp St.
- Jordan Park, 1001 N. 6th St.
- Fountain Park, 961-967 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
The city thanked all those involved in planning and offering the resources, including the city Parks & Recreation, Fire, Police, EMS, & Health departments; Allentown Public Library; Lehigh Valley Active Life; Allentown Housing Authority; and PPL Center.
