Excessive Heat Watch Issued As Severe Weather Begins In Eastern PA

EASTERN PA — As the heat wave intensifies Tuesday around the greater Philadelphia region, authorities have issued a slew of warnings on the health dangers posed by the weather.

An excessive heat watch and a heat advisory have been issued from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, as the heat index soars over 105.

"Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," the National Weather Service said.

Officials urge residents to stay well hydrated, avoid the sun, and to check on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets cannot be left inside vehicles, as car interiors will reach "lethal temperatures" in a few short minutes, the National Weather Service said.

This marks the longest period of sustained heat in the Philadelphia area since last September, and the high temperatures on multiple days this week could break all time records. The temperatures are close to 15 degrees above the average for this time of June.

"The longevity of the intense heat will put additional strain on residents and electrical infrastructure," AccuWeather forecasters said. "Although high heat is not uncommon in any of these areas during the summer months, the fact that this heat wave is projected to be particularly long and intense and occurring so early in the season is particularly notable."

AccuWeather classified the Philly area heat wave as "severe," noting the accompanying high humidity and the strength of the sunshine.

Here's the full forecast for the coming week:

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday night
Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday n ight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Friday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Friday night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.

Saturday night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 96.

Sunday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.