The heat is on this holiday weekend and we are officially in a heat wave!
An excessive heat warning is now in effect and will last until 8 p.m. on Sunday for most of the region, including Philadelphia, parts of South Jersey, eastern Chester County, Eastern Montgomery County, Lower Bucks County and New Castle County, Delaware.
Temperatures were in the 90s on Thursday and Friday in Philadelphia and hit 90 degrees early Saturday afternoon, making it the third heat wave of the season. Due to the humidity and heat index, temperatures will feel closer to 100 degrees.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation for anyone outdoors.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay inside air-conditioned areas, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
If you’re working or spending time outside, take extra precautions. Reschedule any strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Wear light weight, loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
If you have to work outdoors, take several rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned locations. Also, be sure to use plenty of sunblock. The UV index is very high during the day and you could feel sunburn after being outside for only 10 to 15 minutes.
Due to the heat, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will operate its Heatline today from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can call the Heatline at 215-765-9040 for information on precautions against the heat and detecting signs of heat stress. The Heatline is a non-emergency telephone service and is not a fan or air conditioner distribution site.
Sunday will stay mostly sunny and very hot and humid with highs in the mid 90's. There is a chance of a late evening thunderstorm. It will feel like 100 again.
On Monday, expect a mix of sun and clouds; we could also see a few scattered showers through the day, according to NBC10’s Sheena Parveen. Thunderstorms are more likely in the afternoon, with highs still around 90.
How do you plan on staying cool this weekend? Let us know by sending us your photos.
Photo Credit: AP