This is a dangerous, prolonged heat wave
- An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect beginning Wednesday, with the hottest weather expected Thursday and Friday. Heat index values could approach 110 in some areas.
- Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency and a Code Red, opening cooling centers and expanding services for vulnerable residents.
The biggest danger is cumulative heat
Eventually even healthy people can struggle after several consecutive days of extreme heat
- The body never fully recovers when nighttime temperatures stay in the 70s and even low 80s.
- Each hot day increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke.
- Older adults, infants, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning face the greatest risk.
Don’t forget about your pets
- Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset.
- Hot pavement can burn paw pads in seconds
- Make sure pets have plenty of cool water and shade.
- Never leave pets in a parked vehicle -even for a minute. Interior temperatures can become deadly very quickly.
Expect Power Outages
Millions of air conditioners running simultaneously puts tremendous demand on the electric grid. PJM, which serves our region expects electricity demand to approach record levels. While widespread outages are not expected, isolated power outages become much more impactful because homes can heat up rapidly without air conditioning.
Many heat-related deaths occur indoors, especially after several days of relentless heat.
