Philadelphia weather: Dangerous heat alerts issued for first heat wave of 2024

Philly Heat Wave: Area residents look for ways to keep cool

In the first heat wave of the region, HVAC companies are busy while residents are just looking for ways to stay cool.

PHILADELPHIA - The heat is here to stay this week and will likely slide into next week.

Monday's temperatures just missed the 90-degree mark, but Tuesday should hit a high of 91 - and it just keeps rising from there.

Philadelphia is set for its first heat wave of the year by Thursday, but the hottest day of the week will likely be Friday at 97 degrees.

Weather Authority: 10 p.m. Tuesday forecast

FOX 29 Weather Authority 10 p.m. Tuesday forecast.

FOX 29's Kathy Orr says the heat index could make it feel like 100 degrees Tuesday and 105 to 110 degrees the rest of the week. She added this heat wave is expected to stretch into next week, making it the longest June heat wave since records have been kept, going back to the 1870s.

How fast heat rises inside closed vehicle

Temperatures quickly rise inside of a closed vehicle. Never leave children, pets or anyone vulnerable inside a vehicle when the outside air temperatures are so extreme.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, bumping it up to an excessive heat watch for Thursday through Sunday.

Remember to stay prepared as those hot days settle in this week:

Slow down
Stay in air conditioning
Weather lightweight clothing
Close curtains and blinds
Drink plenty of water
Take care of the elderly, small children and pets

During the heat wave, service calls for air conditioning are expected to jump.

Mike Seymour, owner of HTR Mechanical, explains how regular maintenance with a contractor will keep your system running.

"I usually tell them, set it where it’s comfortable and try not to open and close the door a lot," Seymour said. "If you have young kids or a dog going in and out of the house, pull the blinds down. As long as your filter is clean, the unit is sized accordingly or right for the house and you block the sun coming in as much as possible, you should be okay."