Pennsylvania
Update: Heat advisory affecting Pennsylvania until Friday evening
The National Weather Service issued an updated heat advisory at 4:09 p.m. on Friday in effect until 8 p.m. for Berks, Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties.
“Heat index values up to 100 degrees,” says the weather service. “Showers and thunderstorms have brought relief from the excessive heat to many areas.”
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” explains the weather service.
Hot weather safety: Weather service tips for staying safe and healthy
- Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- Seek cool shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable.
- Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
- Child and pet safety: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.
- Caution outdoors: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
- Optimal timing: If possible, move strenuous activities to early morning or evening for more favorable conditions.
- Recognize heat-related issues: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Dress comfortably: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable.
Additional tips for outdoor workers:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers.
- If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
- In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
A fire ripped through a recycling center in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Thursday evening, emergency officials said.
The fire erupted around 6 p.m. at a Doylestown Waste Recycling building on 1510 Swamp Road. The facility mainly recycles construction debris, according to the company’s website.
Chopper 3 was over the scene as firefighters battled flames at the heavily damaged building. Large plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
No injuries have been reported.
Here’s why flags are flown at half-staff or half-mast
Flags in the U.S. are typically flown at half-mast or half-staff after certain events or holidays.
Flags are flying at half-staff across Pennsylvania today after Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered them lowered statewide to honor Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who died in the line of duty in Schuylkill County.
Shapiro ordered flags fly half-staff at Pennsylvania facilities, public buildings and grounds — the United States flag and Pennsylvania flag — to honor Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who died in the line of duty in Schuylkill County.
Pahira died after being struck by a tractor-trailer while conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, authorities said. A Massachusetts truck driver has since been charged in the crash, and flags will remain at half-staff until the date of Pahira’s interment, which has not yet been announced.
Why are flags at half-staff today in Pennsylvania?
Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags across Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff in honor of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who died in the line of duty July 1. The order applies to Commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds statewide and remains in effect until his interment.
What’s the difference between half-staff and half-mast?
The difference between a flag flying at half-staff and half-mast depends on where the flag is flown. In the United States, flags on land are lowered on staffs, while half-mast traditionally refers to flags flown from ships and at naval stations ashore.
Who was Trooper Michael Pahira?
Pahira was a Schuylkill County native and nearly 20-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, authorities said. He enlisted in January 2007 and was assigned to Troop L in Frackville as a Motor Carrier Inspector. He was 44 years old and became the 106th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to die in the line of duty.
What happened to Trooper Michael Pahira?
State police said Pahira was conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 81 southbound in Schuylkill County when a second tractor-trailer left the roadway and struck his marked patrol vehicle and the truck he was inspecting before hitting him. Both commercial vehicles caught fire after the crash. Pahira was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said a Massachusetts truck driver has since been charged with homicide by vehicle in connection with the crash.
How long will flags be lowered?
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered US and Pennsylvania flags fly half-staff today and through the date of interment, or the burial or entombment of Pahira following his funeral.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.
Thursday, July 2, 2026 3:58AM
CASS TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed after being hit by a vehicle on Wednesday morning in Schuylkill County.
Tpr. Michael Pahira Jr. was struck while conducting a commercial vehicle safety inspection around 7 a.m. along Interstate 81 in Cass Township.
According to state police, a passing commercial vehicle hit Pahira while he was conducting the inspection with his emergency lights activated.
That vehicle then collided with the vehicle that was being inspected and caught fire.
The driver of the striking vehicle was being treated at an area hospital. There was no immediate word on whether the driver would be charged.
Pahira, 44, was assigned to Troop L, Frackville and had been with the state police for 20 years.
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