Storms, Then Big Heat Wave Leading Into July 4 In Eastern PA

Brace yourselves for a heat wave that is on the way to Eastern Pennsylvania.

The National Weather Service, which has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, says heat index values may reach 105 degrees on Sunday afternoon.

But Sunday won't be the only exceptionally hot day.

The heat wave could last up to five days, starting Saturday and going through the holiday, according to AccuWeather. Peak heat indices in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees are possible during the afternoon hours on Saturday and Monday, the NWS predicts.

But before the heat wave sets in, some storms could pass through. There is a chance of thunderstorms late Wednesday. Another round of thunderstorms are possible during the day Thursday.

In the Northeast, a heat wave is defined as three days in a row with high temperatures at or above 90 degrees.

Starting Saturday, "there is the potential for many locations to have highs well into the 90s over a three- to five-day stretch," AccuWeather said.

AccuWeather says the heat wave could bring about the hottest early July weather in the Northeast since 2012.

With the weather comes an elevated risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as decreased air quality. People with respiratory problems should stay in an air-conditioned environment.

"Homeowners who do not have air conditioning may want to set up an area in a cool basement to spend time out of the heat," AccuWeather advises.

Here is the forecast:

Today: Cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 7 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 96.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Image via Shutterstock

If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.