A dangerous, possibly prolonged heat wave will swamp the Philadelphia area all this week, meaning it’s time to start thinking about heat safety.
The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert through Sunday for the entire greater Philadelphia region due to the dangerous heat and high humidity. Temperatures are expected to hit the upper-90 degrees, but they'll feel like the triple digits in many neighborhoods.
Be sure to have the NBC10 App downloaded on your device to get breaking weather alerts no matter where you are during the storm and heat.
Tracking Dangerous Heat
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What could be more than a week of days with 90-plus-degree temperature has now begun. With high humidity, those temperatures will feel like the triple digits.
"We are forecasting our third heat wave of this summer, and this one looks like it's going to be the hottest and the longest heat wave so far," NBC10 First Alert meteorologist Bill Henley said.
"This is a heat wave to take seriously," he warned.
NBC10 has what to expect during the heat and how to stay safe.
When Does the Heat Wave Start and How Hot Will It Be?
The heat and humidity started building on Monday and continued through Wednesday, with Thursday's temperatures expected to be even hotter.
"The elevated heat wave is expected to be with us through next weekend. In the Philadelphia area, we consider three days with highs of 90 degrees or above to be a heat wave. The coming heat wave could last... longer," he said.
The hottest and most humid conditions are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday and again on Saturday. The afternoon temperatures on those days will reach the mid-90s to upper-90s degrees. With the higher humidity, those temperatures will feel like 100-plus degrees, Henley said while saying those days will be the "most intense" of the heat wave.
Urban areas will feel even hotter as the heat island effect caused heat to radiate off concrete and buildings to the point where it doesn't cool off much at night.
Where Can I Cool Off And How Do I Avoid Heat-Related Illness?
Limiting outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using air conditioning are vital. When temperatures hit the upper 90s, though, the CDC warns that fans do not prevent heat-related illness.
High heat is a huge threat for infants and children up to 4 years old and to people 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Check in on neighbors, friends and family, especially older loved ones.
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging offers a "Heatline" that individuals can reach at 215-765-9040. The line goes into effect when a Heat Health Emergency is declared for the city, the PCA says.
The City of Philadelphia offers free resources for individuals to use during high temperatures.
Cooling centers – air-conditioned buildings available for public use – will be open in the heat. People can find the nearest cooling center using this link.
In addition to the cooling centers, the Free Library of Philadelphia will extend its hours to provide air conditioning to members of the community. Find out which branches of the Free Library are participating here.
The city’s spraygrounds and public pools can be found here.
OSHA offers tips for telling the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Tips for Staying Safe During Heat Wave
- If you don't have air conditioning, be sure to use fans and leave windows and doors open.
- Be sure to drink lots of water.
- Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
- Limit your time in the sun and take breaks in the shade.
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