Philly Declares Heat Health Emergency As Dangerous Temperatures Take Root

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency for Thursday and Friday with heat index values expected to exceed 100 degrees.

Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson issued the emergency declaration for 11 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday. But that period could extend if the forecast worsens.

A Heat Health Emergency activates the city's emergency heat programs, including cooling centers, home visits by special field teams, and mobilizing Homeless Services personnel to offer shelter to people sleeping outside.

Philadelphia has also activated its Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline, where callers can get information on heat safety or talk to a nurse about heat-related medical concerns. The line will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 215-765-9040.

Cooling centers will operate with extended hours. See locations and hours on this map or by calling 311.

Utility shutoffs for nonpayment are suspended and will resume when the heat emergency ends, officials said.

A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday. Heat-index values — how hot it feels outside — could reach 104 degrees on Thursday afternoon, according to forecasters.

Thunderstorms could provide some relief from the heat late Thursday afternoon and late Friday afternoon. But it will remain very humid until a cold front his this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Here's the National Weather Service's latest forecast for Philadelphia:

• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 102. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 5 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 104. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.