Three dead in Philadelphia heat wave

Three dead in Philadelphia heat wave
Justin Wolfe/Flickr Creative Commons

With an excessive heat warning in effect throughout the Philadelphia area, three people have died this weekend as a result of health complications due to the extreme temperatures.

Philly Voice reports that on Saturday, a 67-year-old diabetic women in Port Richmond died of congestive heart failure and an 82-year-old woman in North Philadelphia with heart disease died of hypercholesterolemia.

A 59-year-old North Philadelphia man who had suffered from diabetes and congestive heart failure was the latest victim of the excessive heat; he passed away Sunday, according to CBS Philly.

The warning will remain in effect in southeastern Pennsylvania until 9 p.m. Sunday night, with temperatures reaching the mid-to-upper nineties and a heat index pushing temperatures to feel as high as 108 degrees.

Officials are advising residents to take precautions and drink plenty of water, wear loose fitting clothing, and to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The 59 year old’s death marks seven heat-related fatalities in the city this summer, CBS Philly reports.

Those whoneed help can contact the Philadelphia Heat Line at 215-765-9040.