An excessive heat warning remains in effect through 5 p.m. Friday in Philadelphia and the I-95 corridor, but clouds and showers will move in and bring down the temperatures across the region.
And that's good news after the scorching heat of the past two days.
Wilmington, Delaware hit a record high of 98 degrees on Thursday.
An Excessive Heat Warning has been in effect since Wednesday when temperatures in our area climbed past 95 degrees.
Aside from high humidity, our heat index value (which is what it feels like if the temperature and humidity is combined) was above 100 degrees Thursday -- even though the high temperature in Philadelphia didn't quite reach that mark.
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Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids and wear loose fitting clothing to stay cool. Try to limit outdoor activities to early in the morning or late at night and not during the afternoon heat. The UV index remains very high and air quality is rated at Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" like the elderly, so make sure you check on older neighbors.
PECO will be distributing 500 fans today to help area seniors stay cool. Fans will be handed out in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Contact the aging center in your area to get a fan.
Pets also need a little extra attention as the temperature rises. Here's how you can keep your pet safe.
- If your pet spends time outside or in the yard, make sure they have some shade to get out of the sun and make sure they have lots of fresh clear water shaded from the direct sun. Water bowls sitting in the sun can get very hot creating a scalding bowl of water.
- Never leave a pet in a car alone, even with the windows down a crack or the air conditioner running. Even on cooler days, a car can become a furnace very quickly.
- Consider getting an inexpensive plastic kiddie pool for your dog to cool down in post- outdoor exercise. Some dogs also like to play in sprinklers.
- If you have a swimming pool, do not leave your dog unattended in the pool area. Not all dogs can swim -- they can drown if they fall into the water. They can also get sick from drinking chlorinated pool water.
The Philadelphia Heatline is active Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. If you have any heat-related questions or concerns call 215-765-9040.
