Summer Isn’t Over Yet: Heat Advisory, Code Orange Issued for Philly Region

Heat index values could reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday and Wednesday. Can this be the last heat wave of the season, please?


heat advisory franklin fountain

Is this heat advisory making you consider a dip in the Franklin Square fountain? | Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

We may have been blessed with a few fall-like days recently, but it’s still August — evidently.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Philadelphia region this week. The advisory begins at noon on Tuesday and will last until 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot: The heat index is expected to reach between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit in the Philadelphia area. No precipitation is expected. Get to the shore if you can — it should be cooler there, per the NWS.

Unfortunately, we’ll hardly experience a drop in temperature on Tuesday night — the low is expected to hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As for Wednesday, there’s not much relief in store. The weather will stay hot and humid, with heat index values still hovering around 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

As we told you on Monday, the heat advisory will force Philly public schools to close early on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Maybe class should remain out of session until after Labor Day, eh?)

As always, remember to keep yourself, your neighbors, and loved ones safe during this bout of excessive heat. The hot temperatures combined with high humidity is expected to create an increased risk for heat-related health issues. Be sure to wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible, and check on elderly relatives and neighbors.

The Department of Public Health has issued a Code Orange air quality alert during the heat advisory, because sensitive groups (like the elderly or those suffering from asthma or heat or lung disease) are at an increased risk and should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency — so call 911 if you’re worried.

Here’s the good news: After the heat advisory ends, a cold front will arrive on Thursday (thank goodness). We’ll see more cloud coverage and slightly cooler temps (still in the 90s, though). Showers and thunderstorms will accompany the cold front, eventually leading to much cooler conditions this weekend.

Until then, check out our guides on where to mooch free air conditioning, how to remain cool (while staying fit), and where to find the best icy desserts (when water ice just isn’t cutting it) — all right in the city.