Temps on Thursday are expected to get into the 90s, making the heat wave official. NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Bill Henley is tracking the steamiest conditions this weekend amid a heat emergency in Philadelphia.
Editor's Note (June 20, 2024, 1030 a.m.): This story is no longer being updated. For the latest on the heat wave, click here.
The weather is heating up with what's looking like a heat wave lasting into next week.
Here is what to expect and tips for staying safe as temps remain hot:
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First heat wave of 2024 looking likely 🌡️
The heat keeps building this workweek with highs in the low 90s Tuesday and feeling like to mid 90s or hotter.
The high on Wednesday gets into the low 90s, but not as humid. It will be feeling like the mid 90s Thursday. The National Weather service issued a heat advisory for the next few days.
Then changes come in a big way heading into the weekend as heat and humidity ramp up Friday, Saturday and Sunday with feels-like temps of 99 to 104 degrees. Temps could near records (or even break them) this weekend as an excessive heat watch is in effect through the weekend.
Feels-like temps on Saturday will push near or past triple digits in many neighborhoods.
Sunday is then shaping up to be the steamiest day with brutal feels-like temps approaching 105 degrees. The high on Sunday in Philadelphia is expected to be 98, which would break a record that dates back to the 1880s.
The only places where you will get relief from the heat (besides being in air conditioned space) is at the Jersey Shore.
Isolated storms are possible later on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but aren't expected to break the heat.
High temps must hit 90 degrees or higher for three straight days for a heat wave to be declared.
The 90s are expected to continue well into the following week. Should the temp get to 90 on Monday, June 24, the heat wave should extend through all of next workweek.
Tips for dealing with heat, noticing signs of heat-related illness
The expected heat wave may last for the entire week and could lead to dangerous health conditions with little relief offered. Be sure to limit time exerting yourself outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Ready.gov shares these heat tips:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot on your pet’s feet.
Also, be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses. A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; red, hot and dry skin without sweat; a rapid, strong pulse; and dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness can all be signs of heat stroke.
Should you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the hospital immediately.
You can click this link from the National Weather Service for details on the signs of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and other heat-related illnesses.
[6/13/2024] Here is the latest update regarding the anticipated heat wave to impact areas from the Midwest to Northeast next week. Be sure to plan ahead and follow proper heat safety!
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) June 13, 2024
For information on staying cooler and safe visit https://t.co/L4FyvSSEaR. pic.twitter.com/kPBmwTrK0P
In Camden County, New Jersey, a heat advisory is in effect.
“When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, remember to stay inside as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and contact a physician if you or a loved one is showing signs of heat stress,” Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said.. “It is important that residents continue to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbors to ensure that they are safe and able to stay cool.”
Places to cool off
In Philadelphia, cooling centers are open for seniors looking to beat the heat and city pools and spraygrounds are open for young folks looking to beat the heat.
Beat the heat this week at one of Philly's 90+ spraygrounds! Find your nearest sprayground here: https://t.co/ptW3pJcnrz
— Philadelphia Public Health (@PHLPublicHealth) June 18, 2024
Click here for a interactive map showing all the spots where people can cool off in Philadelphia during the heat wave. The Free Library of Philadelphia is also reminding people of several of its locations open to the public.
On Tuesday, the city declared a Code Red Alert "until further notice." "If you see someone on the street who needs help call the outreach team at (215) 232-1984 or 911 for a medical emergency," the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services posted on social media. "Visit https://bit.ly/PHLHeatTips for hot weather tips/info."
People looking for relief from the heat can also go to recreation centers and libraries far beyond just Philadelphia.
In Allentown, Lehigh County, the city is offering up pools at no cost to residents and opening up public buildings with air conditioning.
Stay ahead of whatever Mother Nature brings
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