As the mercury crests and the pavement sizzles, residents in the Philadelphia area are being urged to keep cool and watch out for their health due to sweltering conditions. The National Weather Service out of Mount Holly, NJ, has issued a Heat Advisory that remains firmly in place until 8 PM EDT this evening, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 104 degrees. The advisory covers a wide area including parts of northern Delaware, central and southern New Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania.
Adding to the discomfort, an Air Quality Alert has been declared for Wednesday July 30. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission warns of code orange conditions, indicating that air quality may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. These groups include children, those with asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases, as well as the elderly. "The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors," residents are reminded in the alert.
Looking ahead, the intense heat is to somewhat abate, giving way to possible showers and thunderstorms which could bring heavy rainfall from Thursday into Friday. The National Weather Service anticipates "new rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible" coming Thursday, and "increasing clouds, with a high near 95," a reprieve from today's swelter. The end of the week could see those temperatures drop significantly, with a high near 72 by Friday and showers continuing.
For now, the trifecta of high temperatures, humidity, and poor air quality serves as a reminder to all in the affected regions to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health. With the hope of clearer skies and cooler days just over the horizon, patience and prudence are the words of the day.
