Heat advisory in effect as temps could feel like 100 in Philadelphia over next 2 days
Here comes the heat! Summer officially arrives Friday, but it'll already feel like it today and for the next week.
The National Weather Service canceled a severe thunderstorm watch for the Philadelphia region that was in effect until 7 p.m.
Thursday, be sure to hydrate often with nonalcoholic and non-sugary beverages. Dress in loose-fitting clothes and spend time in air conditioning if possible. Skies will be partly cloudy, and highs will hover in the low 90s with a heat index near 100.
Afternoon storms will develop, some of which are likely to be severe. The Storm Prediction Center has placed our entire area in a slight risk (level 2 of 5) of severe weather tomorrow, with damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, and downpours being the main threats.
Due to the likelihood of severe storms, a NEXT Weather Alert is in place Thursday afternoon and evening between 3-9 p.m.
Ironically, Friday, the summer solstice and official start to summer, will hover in the mid-80s with sunny skies. Basically, the nicest day of the next seven days.
Heat wave starts Saturday
Our first heat wave of the year arrives Saturday through the middle of next week. As a reminder, three consecutive days at or above 90 is considered a heat wave.
Skies will be partly sunny to sunny with each day hotter and more humid than the day before. By Sunday, we are looking at dangerous heat with highs in the mid-90s and overnight lows near 80. Monday and Tuesday climb between 97 and 101 with a heat index, feels like temperature between 103 and 107. At those temperatures, heatstroke and heat exhaustion are possible.
For some context:
- Last year's first heat wave ran from June 18-23, and the last one hit at the end of July
- Both topped out at 98 degrees
- Our last 100+ degree day? July 7, 2012, when we hit 101
- And the longest heatwave on record? A whopping 12 days back in 1901, including two scorchers over 100
Because of the dangerous heat, a NEXT Weather Alert is in place Sunday through Tuesday.
Here's your 7-day forecast:
Wednesday: Hot, humid and stormy. High 88.
Thursday: NEXT Weather Alert. High 92. Low 73.
Friday: Sunny and warm. High 87. Low 66.
Saturday: Heat wave begins. High 91. Low 69.
Sunday: NEXT Weather Alert. High 95. Low 72.
Monday: NEXT Weather Alert. High 98. Low 77.
Tuesday: NEXT Weather Alert. High 101. Low 80
