Two heat-related deaths reported in Philly as ‘extreme’ temperatures are set to end

At least two people in Philadelphia died from heat-related causes over the weekend as temperatures hit record-breaking highs during the longest heat wave of the season, health officials said Monday.

The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed two deaths were “heat-related.” Health Department spokesperson James Garrow said that number may grow in the coming days, “as heat-related deaths can lag the actual emergency.”

» READ MORE: Philly sets a record with a high of 99, and the city expands health emergency through a steamy Monday

The Health Department could not confirm the ages or genders of the two people who died, citing confidentiality issues, nor could it identify the circumstances around the deaths.

While temperatures have been increasing on average, the number of heat-related deaths fell precipitously over the last decade, both in Philadelphia and across the United States. But experts say the elderly remain most at risk — especially if they live alone.

Sunday’s broiling temperature peaked at 99 degrees — a record for July 24 in the city — four days after the city declared a formal heat emergency.

» READ MORE: What to know about symptoms and treatment for dehydration and heat exhaustion.

While the temperature at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday surpassed 90 degrees for the eighth straight day, the heat wave entered a rapid descent, with the city ending its “heat health emergency” at 8 p.m. Monday and the National Weather Service ceasing its “excessive heat warning.” By afternoon, rain showers and thunderstorms provided the region with some relief.

Heavy rain and flooding were reported in parts of South Jersey, and the National Weather Service said a flash flood warning for southeastern Atlantic County was in effect until 12:15 a.m. Tuesday.

While storms were not as severe in Philadelphia, lightning did strike a church steeple in Port Richmond, causing a small fire at Grace Episcopal Church and the Incarnation. No injuries were reported.

Lee Robertson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service at the Mount Holly office, said a cold front was expected to sweep through the region overnight, leaving conditions cooler and drier by Tuesday. Humidity levels will likely drop, and the heat index levels — which have been between 100 and 105 over the last several days — are set to drop into the 80s and 90s, he said.

“The extreme heat looks to be ending,” Robertson said. “But it’s still going to be quite warm the next several days, with the high for Philadelphia in the 80s.”

The near-term exception to that will be Thursday, when temperatures could rise into the 90s again.

This was city’s first heat emergency — and the weather service’s first heat warning — of the season, but similar waves hit the region every summer.

» READ MORE: Philly is getting shorter, more frequent heat waves

“Any fatality is unfortunate,” Robertson said of the two deaths reported in Philadelphia, and urged residents to check in on friends and relatives, particularly the elderly and those without air-conditioning.

In the 1990s, Philadelphia became one of the first cities to broaden the definition of heat deaths to include those in which heat played a contributing factor. Other cities soon copied the method and expanded the scope beyond the stricter criterion of hyperthermia, a decision that meteorologists said help draw attention to the hazards of extreme heat.

Over the weekend, Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole again urged residents to look after neighbors and families members who might be at risk due to the heat.

Staff writer Robert Moran contributed to this article.