Philadelphia is starting Thursday, August 6, under mostly cloudy skies and patchy fog, with temperatures around 79 degrees near Philadelphia International Airport. Fog should lift before 9 a.m., but the day is headed toward 91 degrees, with a heat index as high as 102. A Heat Advisory begins at 10 a.m., and afternoon storms could bring brief heavy rain.
Heat Advisory Runs Through Saturday
The National Weather Service has the Heat Advisory in effect for Philadelphia through 8 p.m. Saturday, with heat index values up to 103 degrees. Southwest winds will generally run 5 to 10 mph, while warm and very humid nights will offer little relief.
Storm Chances Build Thursday Afternoon
Thursday’s rain chances stay low through late morning before rising during the afternoon and evening, when showers and thunderstorms become possible. The overall chance is 30%, but some storms could produce heavy rain. Tonight will remain mostly cloudy, with a low near 76 and a chance of storms before 1 a.m., followed by patchy fog.
Friday Night Looks Like The Wettest Stretch
Friday will be another hot day, with a high near 92 and a heat index as high as 101 after early fog clears. Storm chances increase Friday night, with showers and thunderstorms likely between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. and rainfall totals potentially reaching a quarter to half an inch.
Heat Hangs Around Into Next Week
Saturday should reach 91 degrees with a chance of storms after 2 p.m., while Sunday brings sunshine and a slightly less humid high near 91. Heat returns Monday and Tuesday, when highs could reach 92 and 93 with additional afternoon storm chances, before temperatures ease to around 88 Wednesday.
Plan Around The Heat
Residents should drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight clothing, and limit strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening. The weather service also recommends taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces and checking on relatives and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat illness.
