A dangerous heat wave that’s resulted in record-breaking temperatures continues to sizzle in the region.

Temperatures soared to 97 degrees on Monday and 98 on Tuesday, both record highs for the area, according to Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.

“That’s as high as it’s ever been on those dates,” said Douty, who noted the previous records on those dates were 97. “It’s hot, but it’s not first time we’ve been this hot this time of the year.”

Douty said conditions were expected to once again be uncomfortably warm Wednesday, with a high of 93 accompanied by more humidity that should make it feel like close to 100 degrees.

“There could be a thunderstorm in the afternoon that may provide a bit of relief,” Douty said. “One of the things to watch out for is any storm that develops could bring some downpours along with some gusty winds maybe enough to down some tree branches.”

For those who think it’s warm despite the benefit of working indoors, imagine what it must feel like for those who have to be outside under these torrid conditions.

“Best advice, try to do it at the coolest parts of the day, the morning or evening hours,” Douty said. “If you have to be out in afternoon, make sure you’re well hydrated, wear lightweight fabrics, even lightweight shirt and pants, take your time, take as many breaks as you need.”

Community pools present another option to help cope with the heat.

Poolgoers packed Baer Memorial Swimming Pool in Lehighton both Monday and Tuesday, noted recreation director Tom Evans.

Evans said the pool had 450 guests on Monday, and expected to surpass that on Tuesday after 200 people had already checked in as of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“This was what we were waiting for,” Evans said. “People can’t wait to get out.”

The Palmerton Memorial Park Association posted a message on its Facebook page Monday afternoon.

“Due to the excessive heat and the crowd in the pool we will not be closing down the lap lanes (Monday) and (Tuesday) for adult lap swim. Sorry it is just too crowded to close down.”

PPL offers these tips for customers to save energy and money while still staying comfortable during extreme heat.

• Make sure drapes and shades are pulled down during the day to block the hot sun.

• In the summer, most people can be comfortable wearing light clothing and a thermostat temperature setting between 72 and 78 degrees. You will save energy for every degree higher you can set your thermostat. The federal Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees.

• Minimize the use of heat-generating appliances like dishwashers, stoves, washers and dryers during the warmest hours of the day. Incandescent light bulbs also produce heat, so switching to cooler and more efficient LED bulbs is a smart choice.

• Ceiling fans are wonderful to have for air movement, and they are economical to operate. It costs much less to move air than to cool it. But use ceiling fans only in the rooms that will be occupied. Using a ceiling fan often lets you raise the temperature setting on your thermostat by one to three degrees.

Jane George, regional affairs director for PPL, offered yet even more safety pointers.

“We urge our customers to stay safe in extreme heat situations,” George said. “Find a cool place, drink plenty of fluids, stay informed, and check on elderly family members or neighbors.”

• Take measures to avoid heat stress or illness and keep your homes cool. During periods like this, air conditioning is a matter of health and safety, not only convenience and comfort.

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the primary way to prevent heat illness is with air conditioning.

• If you don’t have air conditioning, the CDC urges you to seek out cooler places — shopping malls, libraries or public cooling centers — to avoid the heat.

• The CDC also advises people to wear appropriate clothing and drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages as part of increased fluid intake.

Douty said that the heat will gradually wane, as Thursday’s high should only reach near 80 degrees, and by Friday, only near 70, with showers and thunderstorms possible each of those days, perhaps some gusty wind and small hail Thursday.

He said conditions will improve over the weekend, with highs in the mid-80s both Saturday and Sunday, with a possible thunderstorm Saturday afternoon.

So, with summer only in its infancy stage, what can we expect in the weeks and months to come?

According to their long range team, Douty said the next 90 days (spanning June 23 through mid- to late September) shows temperatures near the historic average.

“Not saying there’s not going to be another hot spell like this,” he said. “Overall, things should balance out.”