The dog days of August are here, and the Philly heat is rising.
Philadelphia has been through the wringer as summer moves from July to August, with weather systems alternating rapidly between intense humidity and heavy downpours and locals not knowing what to expect.
This week, intense Philly heat is forecast, and started with a heat index of 100 to 104 degrees on Monday, with high heat expected to continue into Tuesday and possibly through Thursday.
A heat advisory was put in effect by the National Weather Service for Southeastern Pennsylvania, most of New Jersey and northern Delaware on Monday morning running through at least Tuesday afternoon, with the possibility of a new advisory being released after that.
That means high temperatures that could be dangerous are forecast for those areas, and residents, particularly vulnerable citizens like the sick, elderly or very young, should stay cool and hydrated to avoid any health risks.
“Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday,” the National Weather Service Mt. Holly Station said in an advisory released on Monday. “The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.”
The National Weather Service urged the public to exercise caution and look out for signs of heat stroke, particularly for those working outdoors.
Temperatures were forecast to stay in the upper 80s and 90s through Friday, although cloudier skies were forecast and possibly thunderstorms could be on the docket on Wednesday.
Thursday is expected to be sunny again. But thunderstorms and temperatures in the mid-80s were forecast for the weekend.
It’s the second real heat wave since that of June 30 to July 5, when temps hit triple digits over the 4th of July.
How to avoid heat stroke
• Know the signs of heat stroke, like headache, lightheadedness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting. Call 911 if you or someone else shows any signs.
• Stay hydrated — even if you don’t feel thirsty. And be sure to keep your pets hydrated on their walks, too.
• Stay out of the sun if possible, but if you have to be outside, be sure to wear at least SPF 15 and a hat for protection and dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the peak sun hours between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• If you don’t have an air conditioner, consider going to one of the city’s public pools or air-conditioned areas like libraries, movie theaters or one of the city’s many cooling centers — you can find your nearest cooling center via 311.
Additional reporting by Nikki M. Mascali
