The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Philadelphia area on Monday and Tuesday.
Areas under the excessive heat warning include the following counties: New Castle, Mercer, Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Chester, Monthomery, Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia.
High temperatures will be in the upper 80s to low 90s (it will definitely feel like 90s). Some spots may see the heat index go even higher.
Today: Mostly sunny skies with only a slight chance of a shower.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, slight chance of showers.
Tomorrow: Partly sunny, humid. High near 90.
The heat warning is in effect from noon Monday to 7p.m. Tuesday.
Along with the heat warning comes the activation of the city’s heat programs, which include home visits by special field teams, operation of the “Heatline,” and enhanced outreach for the homeless, Philly Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz says.
“We strongly urge the public to visit older friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure that air conditioners or fans are working and homes are adequately ventilated,” Schwartz says. “In a heatwave, the majority of the victims are older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions.”
People who don’t have air conditioning are encouraged to seek relief in shopping malls, movie theaters, senior centers and other public air-conditioned places.
The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink fluids, remove excess clothing, and rest.
Everyone is encouraged to avoid hot areas, wear lightweight clothing amd drink plenty of water.
If you need help call the “Heatline” at 215-765-9040 beginning Monday from noon until midnight.
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