Philadelphia weather: Dangerous heat alerts issued for first heat wave of 2024
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.
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.
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
Philadelphia heat wave: How to prepare as dangerous heat expected to grip region
From pools and cooling centers to what to wear and pet care, here's everything you need to know about preparing for the upcoming heat wave in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, including how to spot heat-related illnesses.
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."
If you're in Philadelphia, cool off at one of several public pools opening this week.
For more tips to stay cool, including finding cooling centers, visit FOX 29's Staying Cool during this Heat Wave page, here.