Philly-area residents cope with relentless heat

Dangerous heat levels continue in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. People are dealing with it in many ways this week as they work or play.

WHYY staff

July 2, 2018

Fire hydrants are open around the city during an historic 2018 heat wave in Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
The line to get into the John B. Kelly Pool indicates an hour wait during an historic heat wave in Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Philadelphia is in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Fire hydrants are open around the city during an historic heat wave in Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Cyclists purchase ice cream after a ride from Wilmington to Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Cyclist Beth Hayley enjoys an ice cream after a ride from Wilmington to Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
A man sells water on the median of Broad Street at Girard Avenue in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s expected throughout the week. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
A man sells water and Gatorade in Fairmount Park in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s expected throughout the week. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
An electrician at Girard and Ridge avenues works from a crane in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s expected throughout the week. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Dean Maitir serves cocoberry water ice at Siddiq’s in West Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Dean Maitir and Hamir Jews serve ice cream at Siddiq’s Water Ice in West Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Philadelphia is in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s expected throughout the week. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Dangerous heat levels continue in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. People are dealing with it in many ways this week as they work or play.

At every major intersection in the city, it seemed Gatorade and water were sold from coolers. The line to the John B. Kelly public pool in Fairmount Park indicated an hourlong wait, and throughout the city’s neighborhoods, open hydrants blasted. Cyclists stopped for Mister Softee at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and servers at Siddiq’s water ice at 60th and Spruce opened shop expecting a rush at any moment.

The heat wave is expected to continue through the week, with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s. Anyone experiencing heat stress who’s in need of assistance can call the Heatline at 215-765-9040. The Heatline, run by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, will be active through Wednesday evening.

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