Hot weather for a week around Philadelphia as heat wave grips region. Ways to keep cool and stay safe
Click here for the latest Philadelphia weather forecast on June 19, 2024.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- NEXT Weather Alerts have been issued all week and into next week as a heat wave grips the Philadelphia region, with temperatures increasing to potential triple digits on Friday.
The June heat wave is expected to be the most intense in the area in years, prompting a heat advisory from the National Weather Service.
High temperatures will be in the mid or high 90s through Thursday but with humidity, it could feel like well over 100 degrees.
A heat advisory and an excessive heat warning mean that people can be affected by heat if precautions are not taken. The issuance of a heat advisory is important to raise public awareness that these precautions need to be taken. Heat advisories are also used to trigger other actions and regulations such as barring evictions, stopping customers' electricity from being turned off and changing requirements for people who work outdoors.
On Tuesday, the high temperature is expected to reach 94 degrees in Philadelphia, but it's only getting up to 78 degrees at the Jersey Shore.
How to cool down in a heat wave
If you have a chance to get out of the city and away to the Jersey Shore, Delaware beaches or somewhere else along the ocean, this is a great time to do so. It's noticeably cooler at the shore and partly cloudy.
If you do head to the beach, listen to the lifeguards and make sure you're not swapping the danger of excessive heat for the dangers of the ocean.
You can immerse yourself in cool water without heading down the Shore by taking a cool or lukewarm shower or bath, or just soaking your feet in a tub. According to the University of Reading (in the U.K., not Pennsylvania) and a study involving researchers from Temple University Hospital, a lukewarm bath or shower will actually cool you down faster and prevent shivering. But if you want to slap a cold washcloth on the back of your neck, we won't stop you.
You might also want to avoid sugar and heavy meals. Digestion creates heat, which can make it harder for the body to cool down. While we sometimes refer to spicy food as "hot," doctors say spicy food can actually cool you down as it can induce sweating, the body's natural cooling process.
It's also best to avoid using your stove and oven if you can, as that will heat up your home even more.
In a pinch, you could grab an ice cube and hold it on your wrist, ankle, neck or temple to get a rejuvenating cool feeling.
You could also throw some grapes in the freezer overnight and bring them with you through the day for a cool treat.
Doctor explains signs of heat exhaustion and tips to stay cool
Dr. Rob Danoff of Jefferson Health explained what people experience when suffering from heat exhaustion.
"Listen to your body — you may start to feel lightheaded ... you might have decreased urination, your muscles might start to cramp," Danoff said.
For kids under age 4 and seniors over 65, it's harder for the body to regulate temperature, Danoff said. Medicines like antihistamines can also make it harder for the body to sweat and regulate heat.
"Light-colored clothing, also wear loose clothing and a hat, sunscreen — very, very important," Danoff added.
Here's your 7-day forecast:
Tuesday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 94
Wednesday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 95, Low 70
Thursday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 97, Low 73
Friday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 100, Low 75
Saturday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 99, Low 75
Sunday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 97, Low 75
Monday: NEXT Weather Alert - heat. High 91, Low 76