Philly area under excessive heat warning
Hottest day of year as season's first real heat wave underway.
At 2:39 p.m. the official temperature at Philadelphia International Airport hit 94, the highest reading so far in 2016.
This is the opening day of what is expected to be a four-day heat wave, although so far on Wednesday heat-index values were a shade lower than forecast.
That said, for the first time this season an excessive heat warning has been issued for the Philadelphia area.
The National Weather Service warning covers all of Philadelphia and Delaware Counties in Southeast Pennsylvania and all of Camden and Gloucester counties in South Jersey as well as the parts of Chester, Montgomery, Bucks and Burlington counties closer to the city. It remains in effect until 6 p.m. Friday.
By 10 a.m. the Philadelphia temperature already had reached 87 on its way to the mid-90s, with repeat performances the rest of the workweek.
The daytime heat will pose no threat to records -- highs have reached triple digits during the first 10 days of July.
The nights, however, would be a cause for concern, with temperatures not getting below 75 before at least Saturday.
Health experts warn that steam nights are particularly dangerous to elderly live-alone rowhouse residents who don't have air-conditioning.
Minus overnight cooling, rowhouses can turn into "brick ovens" that reheat in a hurry when the sun comes up.
Typically, the experts say, fatalities begin to mount after the fourth or fifth day of consecutive heating, so this heat wave bears watching.
Air quality alerts also have been issued in Philadelphia and Camden Counties, which mean air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups that include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly.
A slight cool-down is in store for Sunday, with a high of around 87.
Technically, the government defines a heat wave as three or more days of highs of 90 or above.
Anyone working outdoors should take more frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Pets should be kept in cool places with plenty of water.
People are urged to check on elderly neighbors and relatives. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging heat line will be operating from 11 a.m. until midnight Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. until midnight Thursday and Friday. The PCA Heatline is 215-765-9040.
