What to Know
- High temperatures in Philadelphia broke 90 degrees again on Monday as the heat wave entered its eighth day. It felt like the triple digits in some neighborhoods.
- You won't get a ninth day, however, as scattered (an potentially severe) storms moved through Monday afternoon and evening.
- Be sure to take heat safety precautions during any heat wave.
The oppressive heat wave in Philadelphia reached its eighth day on Monday, but it won't reach Day 9 as scattered storms moved through in the afternoon.
A First Alert -- first for the steamy heat and then for the potential for severe storms -- remained in effect until Monday night.
Stormy Threat as Heat Wave Finally Ends
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Monday was the eighth day of the heat wave as temps pushed into the 90s with humidity making it feel around 100 to 105 in some parts of the region.
Though not as hot as temps were over the weekend (we hit a record of 99 Sunday), it was still uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for people exposed to the heat.
Scattered storms arrived as expected in late afternoon and lasted through the early evening. The Lehigh Valley and Berks County were the first places to get the storms.
Weather Stories
Not everybody got the storms, which were scattered.
Days of More Comfortable Weather
Expect a break to the humidity by Tuesday afternoon as temps won't get into the 90s, officially bringing an end to the heat wave. Highs in the 80s again on Wednesday before highs push back past 90 on Thursday, but not as oppressively.
What Is a Heat Wave?
A heat wave occurs when temperatures reach 90 degrees or above for three or more consecutive days.
Temperatures this high for this long can lead to major health issues if precautions aren't taken, especially for people with high risk medical conditions. Here's a rundown of ways to stay cool amid such smothering conditions.
Why Take Precaution?
Heat contributes to a large number of deaths across the United States. The elderly and children are the most at risk to overheat. People with heart conditions or other chronic illnesses are also at risk.
Heat stroke is common and can be deadly. The following are warnings signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Never leave children in a car, unattended under any circumstance. According to Dr. Julia DeJoseph of Delaware Valley Community Health, children’s bodies are smaller and heat can’t pass through their bodies as easy as adults.
Cars can get extremely hot in a matter of minutes which can and cause death.
Hydrate
Drinking lots of water is key to keeping your body cooled down. The CDC recommends drinking more water than usual during a heatwave. Water is the only recommended drink, AVOID ALCOHOL.
Find a Cool Location
If possible, limit your outdoor activities as they will give you more exposure to what can be dangerous heat.
If you can, stay in a cool home, work in a cool space, or visit one of the city's cooling centers. Some of the city's cooling centers are Free Libraries of Philadelphia which have extended hours throughout excessive heat warnings.
Take advantage of pools, and spray grounds. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the City of Philadelphia turns on its spray grounds 7 days per week. To find a spray ground or pool close to you visit the city’s parks and recreation department site.
Working Outside?
- Bring cool water and pack frozen water bottle so they can thaw throughout the day
- Use wet wash cloth with cool water that to cool body temperature.
No Central Cooling System?
- Open the windows to let fresh air circulate.
- DO NOT rely on just a fan to keep you cool. If you’re using a fan open the windows, allow fresh air to circulate. According to the City of Philadelphia brick row homes with black roof-tops absorb heat which can cause the temperature inside to be equal to the temperature outside if the window is closed.
How to Dress?
If possible, wear fabrics that allow easy air flow around your body.
See an unhoused person in need of shelter?
Call the City of Philadelphia's homeless outreach line: 215-232-1984
Have Pets?
- DO NOT leave pets outside unattended for long periods of time
- Ensure they have a shaded cool space
- Try to walk them in shaded areas as hot surfaces like concrete, metal, pavement, and asphalt can burn their foot-pads
Follow the ACCT requirements during excessive heat. Owners can face a $500 fine if they do not follow ACCT Philly requirements.
If you see an animal who does not have adequate water, shade, and shelter during extreme weather call 267-385-3800 or file a complaint online.
