Extreme heat in Philly: Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and cool
Confused about extreme heat terminology? Curious how climate change factors into soaring temps? The WHYY News Climate Desk has you covered.
2 months ago
Kids enjoyed the spray ground at Starr Garden Playground in Philadelphia during a heat wave on July 9, 2024. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Philadelphia has declared its second Heat Health Emergency of the season.
The HHE will be in effect through midnight on Wednesday, though the emergency may be extended if the forecast worsens, the city Department of Public Health announced via press release.
A Heat Health Emergency is declared by the city when the expected heat index meets thresholds that track when people go to the hospital for heat-related syndromes, according to James Garrow, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
The declaration from interim Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Franklin means that the city opens cooling centers and the Philadelphia Water Department pauses utility shutoffs.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect and will last through 8 p.m. Wednesday for portions of Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northern Delaware due to “dangerously hot conditions,” with heat index values up to 105 degrees possible, according to the NWS.
The potential for heat-related illnesses will “significantly increase,” the NWS said, due to extreme heat and high humidity.
Wednesday will be the final day of excessive heat and humidity “for a while,” said the NWS Mount Holly branch. Like on Tuesday, thunderstorms are in the forecast, with severe weather possible.
In response to the Heat Health Emergency, Philly is opening more than 150 cooling centers and sites, including extended hours at Free Library locations, Parks & Recreation Centers, pools, spraygrounds, Older Adult Centers and PHA Senior Sites.
Residents can find a cooling center near them online by calling 311.
Community Cooling Centers will also be run by the following organizations:
In Montgomery County, extreme heat cooling programs are available at more than 70 sites around the county. Residents can find a Montco cooling program near them online via the PA 211 website.
A Code Red went into effect in Philadelphia Saturday morning and will remain in place until 7 a.m. on Thursday, per the city’s Office of Homeless Services.
Under a Code Red, the city implements 24-hour outreach to transport unhoused people to safe indoor spaces and opens all available beds within the city’s emergency housing network.
In Montgomery County, a Code Red will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, per county commissioners.
Montco’s “Weather Health Warning” is issued ahead of an oppressively hot air mass with a heat index of at least 100 degrees. Residents in need of emergency shelter during a Code Red may call Community Connections at 610-278-3522.
During extreme heat, check in on elderly neighbors and relatives. If you see someone experiencing symptoms of heatstroke, like rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911.
If Philadelphia residents see a person who appears unhoused during a Code Red, they are urged to request a street outreach team by contacting the city’s Homeless Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.
People of all ages can call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s free HeatLine during Heat Health Emergencies at 215-765-9040, for health and safety tips or to talk to nurses about medical problems tied to the heat.
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