Last updated on June 23, 8:45 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Summer is here, and extreme heat is sweeping the region. Philadelphia has declared a heat health emergency from Sunday, June 22, through Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m.
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Staarman said on Sunday, temperatures reached 96 degrees, but it felt more like 101 degrees. And it only goes up from there. Monday and Tuesday are expected to see the hottest temperatures: 98 degrees, with “feels like” temperatures reaching as high as 108 degrees.
“The low temperatures overnight will also be quite warm,” Staarman said, “in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees for most areas, so not a lot of relief at night from this.” Temperatures will cool down a few degrees on Wednesday, dropping slightly as the week progresses.
James Garrow, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Public Health, said that during the emergency, the city will open cooling sites at libraries and recreation centers. A list of those locations can be found here.
“Those will be open to anyone. Come in, get access to the air conditioning, hop in the pool for a little bit,” Garrow said. “Anything to bring down your temperature and help keep you safe.”
Staarman said if you have to be outside, take plenty of breaks in the shade and drink lots of water. He advised avoiding being outside during the hottest parts of the day — afternoon and early evening — if you can.
Garrow said if you only have fans at home, be sure to keep your windows open.
“That'll help bring in any cool air that's outside, and keep your house from essentially turning into an oven and making it more dangerous,” he said.
Garrow said it’s also important to stay hydrated and check on relatives and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to heat illnesses, like the elderly, children or those who are ill. And, never leave pets or children unattended inside vehicles.
An extreme heat warning is in effect in Camden, Chester, Delaware, Bucks and Montgomery counties. Montgomery County declared a Code Red. A Code Orange is in effect starting Sunday in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. Young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems are urged to stay indoors.
For health safety tips or medical problems related to the heat, call the city’s heatline at 215-765-9040. It's open until 8:30 p.m. each day.
"It is going to be exceptionally hot," Garrow stressed. "It is going to be dangerously hot."