PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The middle of May has felt like the end of July for residents — with record heat inching towards 100 degrees. Those extreme temperatures have led to an air quality warning throughout the region.
Temperatures have reached the mid-to-upper 90s, approaching a 35-year record for the month of May. Amazon driver Daquan was running in and out of his air-conditioned truck to get packages on porches. “Trying to keep a positive mind, trying not to think about how hot it is and just stay hydrated,” he said. “Orange juice, citrus and water.”
For people without air conditioning, like Phyllis Ray, there are plenty of places to cool off. “Trying to stay hydrated and stay in the shade as much as possible in the coolness, so I am at the library right now,” she said, “also trying to get some cool air. “
Officials in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware have issued a Code Orange, an air quality warning for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, those with lung conditions or who may be pregnant.
Caryelle Vialubi, director of the Camden County Health Department, said it’s important to limit your time outside — and noted there are signs to look out for when it comes to overheating.
“Keep an eye on appearance, so if you see excessive sweating, the skin turning red, looking tired or complaining of a headache or not feeling right, feeling dizzy, or any changes in their behavior, that is going to be an indicator that something may be changing internally,” she said.
“Heat stroke and heat illness is an emergency so if someone starts to demonstrate any of these, or becomes confused or stops sweating, or starts to lose consciousness, that is a life threatening emergency and they should … call 911.”
Anyone who needs to find a cooling station is advised to check with their municipality for designated spaces.
