The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ, has issued a heat advisory for the greater Philadelphia metro area, warning residents of dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels that are expected to persist throughout the upcoming week. According to the NWS advisory, the advisory will be in effect from 10 AM to 10 PM EDT Tuesday, with heat index values reaching up to 102 degrees.

The areas affected include New Castle Delaware, various central New Jersey locales along the I95 corridor, and the Philadelphia area. Heat related illnesses, the advisory cautions, are likely to increase under these extreme conditions.

With the high temperatures expected to soar to the upper 90s and approach near-record highs in the coming days, in particular on Juneteenth when sunny and hot conditions with a high near 97 degrees are forecasted, urban residents are advised to take extra care. Nighttime temperatures will offer little respite, as lows are only expected to dip into the mid-70s.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the advisory states.