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Keeping cool when the Juniata River Valley heats up

Heat has a way of settling in Juniata River Valley and making itself at home. It seeps in early, ripening the hills and softening the river, then lingers — thick, persistent, demanding everyone pay attention. As July draws closer, forecasts point in a single direction: it will be hot. The kind of summer that fills the air with the hum of window units and makes shade as precious as sleep.

This isn’t a summer to ignore. Every credible forecast, whether it comes from the old hands at the Farmer’s Almanac or the digital machinery of AccuWeather, says the same thing: above-average heat, especially through mid-July into August.

The numbers spell it out, with July and August both looking to run hotter than what Lewistown and its neighbors have come to expect. When two forecasting worlds collide on a single story — one built on sunspots and analogs, the other on satellites and big data — it’s wise to listen.

Fourth of July arrives in the middle of it. The fire trucks roll down Market Street, flags flutter, and every picnic seems to melt a little faster. People will pour into the parks, crowd the fairgrounds, and pack the riverbank, waiting for fireworks to splinter the night. There’s nothing more American — or more Pennsylvanian — than meeting summer head-on with a family reunion, a parade, or a slow game of cornhole on baked grass.

But heat isn’t background. It changes everything. It pushes the body, and it pushes the most vulnerable first — young children, older adults, anyone with health problems. It pushes the grid, too, drawing more power for fans and AC, putting stress on an infrastructure built for plenty but sometimes stretched by peaks and surges. And it brings risks: heat exhaustion, dehydration, even heat stroke for people who forget to pace themselves.

This year, the forecasts don’t agree on much regarding rain. The Almanac expects dry spells, with showers in fits and starts. AccuWeather hints at a wetter ride, even thunderstorms that roll in without warning. The only certainty is the heat. People should prepare for that, no matter what falls from the sky. It’s the summer when flexible plans and a good dose of caution matter.

So what can Mifflin County do to keep cool and keep safe? Don’t tough it out when it isn’t necessary. The county has lined up a handful of cooling stations, each ready to offer a break from the relentless sun. Belleville Fire Company stands ready around the clock; call, and they’ll open the doors. Granville and Junction Fire Companies do the same, 24/7.

In town, the Burgard Apartment Community Room and Coleman House open their doors during the day, and the senior centers in Derry Township and Milroy welcome neighbors during the week. It’s not only about being indoors; it’s about being smart enough to know when you need help.

On the Fourth, bring extra water to the parade. If you’re watching the fireworks or grilling out with friends, keep an eye on those who might be struggling — heat doesn’t announce itself until it’s too late. Look out for anyone who’s flushed, confused, or moving slow. Shade and rest aren’t signs of weakness but evidence of sense. If you don’t have air conditioning, or if your home turns into an oven, use the cooling stations or call 2-1-1 for help finding a safe spot. Pride isn’t worth a trip to the ER.

The Juniata River Valley has always relied on its sense of community. Neighbors checking on neighbors, families making room for one more in the living room, friends calling each other to make sure the fans are running. In the heat, those habits mean everything.

This is a summer where it’s smart to plan ahead. Check your AC or fan before the worst arrives. Stock up on water. If you see a thunderstorm rolling in, move inside before the lightning. If it’s dry, water the garden early and conserve where you can.

There’s no award for suffering in silence. There’s only the common sense of knowing your limits and caring for those around you. July and August will bring their share of long, hot days. They’ll bring fireworks and laughter, parades and family picnics, but they’ll also demand some caution. If everyone pays attention, if everyone knows where to go and what to do, summer will be something to celebrate — not something to endure.

So, take the warnings seriously. Prepare for the heat, welcome the rain when it comes, and make the most of the season’s joys. The dog days will test our area, but they’ll also remind everyone what matters most: looking out for each other and making it safely through to cooler nights.

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