Montco Declares Code Red As Extreme Heat Moves Into Region

NORRISTOWN, PA — With extreme and potentially life threatening heat moving into the greater Philadelphia region, Montgomery County authorities have declared a code red hot weather emergency.

The declaration is in place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

The county typically issues code reds when the heat index is expected to be 100 degrees or above for more than two hours. Tuesday's index is forecasted to rise to 108, with dangerous conditions continuing for hours during the day.

The declaration allows the county to marshal additional emergency resources like cooling centers.

"Those especially at risk are lower income households, individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, rural communities, residents in urbanized areas, infants and children, older adults, laborers, people with chronic medical conditions, those who take certain medications, and athletes," the county said. "Friends, relatives, or neighbors should check on people who may be at risk. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, including muscle cramps, headache, nausea, or vomiting."
Details on cooling centers are included below:

Norristown Hospitality Center
530 Church Street, Norristown
Open during the hours of the Code Red Hot Weather emergency, including weekends.

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library
1001 Powell Street, Norristown
Open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pottstown Regional Public Library
500 East High Street, Pottstown
Open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TriCounty Active Adult Center
288 Moser Road, Pottstown
Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To report an issue, call the county's 24/7 mobile crisis line at 855-634-HOPE. More resources are also available on the state's 2-1-1 website.