PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The first heat wave of the season has hit. The Philadelphia region is sweating through another day with dangerously high temperatures and humidity, and poor air quality.
Monday morning, some champions could not be stopped from showing up for outdoor fitness classes along Kelly Drive or running up and down the front steps of the Art Museum of Philadelphia. It was early yet, and the worst of the heat had not yet hit for the day.
Ken Covington was out for boxing training, working up a sweat with the sun barely out.
"I actually do prefer warmer weather. I'm from Texas originally, so I'm definitely used to the heat. So, yeah, I definitely prefer this to the cold Philly winters," Covington said.
Some agreed with Covington, while others said they preferred spring to be a little cooler. Whichever side of the line you're on, all agree it's essential to load up on as much water as possible. It is critical to stay hydrated.
KYW Newsradio broadcast partner NBC 10 issued a First Alert heat advisory on Sunday and Monday because of the high heat and humidity. Temperatures are expected to it the low 90s on Monday, but heat index values are expected to hit between 96 and 100 degrees.
The area is also under an air quality, or code orange alert, NBC 10 First Alert meteorologist Krystal Klei said on Sunday. Even for those in good shape, this is not the type of weather to take lightly.
"This is particularly for folks who are more sensitive, maybe someone with respiratory issues," she explained. Children, seniors and people with medical conditions are advised to stay indoors. The heat and humidity make the air more stagnant, which means more pollution trapped is trapped close to the surface of the earth.
"Limit your time outside. Seek areas of shade and make sure you're staying hydrated," she urged.
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Some people spending time outside on Sunday found ways to beat the heat. At Bahia Bowl in Chestnut Hill, Terri Bracey fought back with a mango smoothie.
She said she wasn't too worried about temperatures rising, and said she would take her drink on the road — "just driving around in the car and letting the air come through, listening to my favorite tunes," she said.
Edwin and his family were testing out flavors to keep their mind off the heat and on family time. He prefers the comfort of colder weather but said if he has to suffer through the heat, he'll do it with an ice cold beverage. "Passion fruit, that's my favorite so far," he said.
Mary Rambler isn't a fan of the heat, but she said if she has to go outside, she's applying more traditional techniques to stay cool and safe.
"Wear a hat. Stay in the shade," she said. "It's too hot for me, but what are ya gonna do?"
For anyone who chooses to be outside, or who must be outside, Klei also urges wearing sunscreen and reapplying often.
"Burn time is only about 15 minutes when you get to that very high UV index that we're experiencing across the region," she said.
Temperatures are expected to fluctuate between the high 80s and low 90s for most of this week.