After an especially wet and mostly dreary spring, the region will finally see a changing weather pattern in the next few days. Much warmer temperatures are coming — but don’t expect a dry heat.

From March 1 through June 19, the Bradford area received 17.94 inches of rain, according to Michael Colbert, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College. The average for that period is 13.61 inches.

“We were a good 4 to 4.5 inches above normal,” Colbert noted. “Slow-moving troughs moved in from the Ohio valley with areas of showers and thunderstorms that lasted a long time, and not just one event but multiple times, mostly in May and June.”

He said that along with all the rain, many days this spring have been on the cool side but, starting today, temperatures will climb into at least the mid-80s for about the next week.

“As a big ridge of high pressure develops over the East Coast, it will pump in a lot of humidity from the Gulf and build some high temperatures over us,” Colbert explained. “We’re going to see (the high pressure system) come on all of a sudden. In general we’re not really acclimated to the hot weather as a public, in Pennsylvania.”

Today will be mostly sunny with just a slight (20%) chance of some afternoon showers or a thunderstorm. Overnight it will be partly cloudy and temperatures will dip only into the upper 60s. It will be sunny and hot Monday and Tuesday, with highs in the low 90s and overnight lows in the upper 60s.

Colbert said that Monday will feel like the hottest day due to heat index values, which factor in humidity. The value will be near 90 on Sunday and Tuesday, while the forecast calls for a maximum value of 94 on Monday in Bradford.

Because “it has been so wet lately the ground is pretty saturated and that will add to the humidity. As the temperatures rise and the sun heats the ground, that moisture will come up out of the ground and into the atmosphere.

“This week would’ve been humid regardless because of the moisture coming off the Gulf, but it will be even more humid this time around because of how wet it’s been.”

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania urged residents to stay hydrated, cool and connected during a heat wave, particularly the first one of the season. Drink a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Spend time in air conditioned places when possible. If it’s too hot at home, try visiting a library, mall or even some senior centers. Check on others and ask for help if needed. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

Cool showers or baths can help people cool off, along with wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.The Red Cross recommends that athletes and outdoor workers take breaks in the shade and drink a cup of water every 20 minutes, as anyone can become ill during extreme heat.

• Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick, and get medical help if cramps last over an hour or you have heart problems.
• Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you don’t feel better, vomit or have heart problems.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t drink anything.

Know what to do if emergency help is delayed by downloading the Red Cross First Aid app. Receive real-time weather alerts and heat safety information through its Emergency app. Both can be downloaded for free in smartphone app stores or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

Temperatures will fall — at least a few degrees — by Wednesday with highs in the mid-80s. Precipitation will also return to the forecast then, increasing from a 50/50 shot to 70% by Friday.

“As the frontal boundary approaches from the north,” Colbert said, “there will be more clouds, more showers and thunderstorms and temperatures that are a little bit cooler.”