'Dangerous' Heat Expected In Philadelphia, Warning Issued For City

PHILADELPHIA, PA - An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Philadelphia metro area, with the National Weather Service predicting "dangerously" hot conditions through at least Friday. During the peak, it may feel as hot as 110 degrees outside, forecasters said.

Hot and humid conditions will be present through at least Saturday, with the possibility of temperatures lower than 90 degrees on Sunday. The city of Philadelphia declared its own Heat Health Emergency starting Thursday and ending Saturday, though the emergency may be extended.

Cooling centers are available at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday in Philadelphia:

• Cecil B. Moore Library (2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue 19121)
• Charles Santore Library (932 S. 7th Street 19147)
• Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library (5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway 19143)
• Fumo Family Library (2437 South Broad Street 19148)
• Haverford Library (5543 Haverford Avenue 19139)
• Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library (68 W. Chelten Avenue 19144)
• Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Avenue 19133)
• Logan Library (1333 Wagner Avenue 19141)
• Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (125 S. 52nd Street 19139)
• Nicetown-Tioga Library (3720 North Broad Street 19140)
• Northeast Regional Library (2228 Cottman Avenue 19149)
• Oak Lane Library (6614 N. 12th Street 19126)
• Widener Library (2808 W. Lehigh Avenue 19132)



A list of recreation center cooling locations can be found here, and sprayground and pools with free swimming open hours can be found here.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through 10 p.m. for Philadelphia County on Friday. A heat advisory will be in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday, forecasters said.

Heat index values, which is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, is expected to reach up to 110 degrees during the excessive heat warning and up to 105 degrees during the heat advisory.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the service said. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”

People should avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day. Drink plenty of water and wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.

The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline (215-765-9040) will be open between 8:30 a.m. and midnight on Thursday through Saturday. The public can call the hotline if they have questions about precautions they can take and detecting signs of heat stress.

“The Health Department declares a Heat Health Emergency when the temperature gets high enough that vulnerable people – especially our elderly neighbors and family members – are at an increased risk of getting sick or dying from the heat,” Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said in a statement.

“The best way to protect our loved ones is to make sure they can get into air conditioning during the hottest part of the day. As always, we encourage Philadelphians to check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they’re safe and don’t need assistance."

-With reporting by Karen Wall.