The first heat wave of the season is spreading across the region. The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team issued a First Alert Monday for neighborhoods along the I-95 corridor. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90 degrees.
High heat and humidity, as well as poor air quality, are continuing in much of the Philadelphia region Monday.
It was officially the first heat wave of the season once we hit 90 at Philadelphia International Airport as of noon on Monday.
The heat wave might be especially hazardous to elderly people who and those with serious medical issues, health officials warn.
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As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, William D. Surkis, who runs Main Line Health system’s internal-medicine residency program and is interim vice president of Lankenau Medical Center Surkis explained that it is particularly worrisome that the heat wave is coming early in the season. “This is very dangerous weather,” he said.
What to do during the heat wave
- Be sure to stay inside a safe place with air conditioning and open windows. Use fans if you don’t have A/C in your home.
- If you are using a fan, windows or a door should be open to the outside; otherwise, there is recirculation of hot air, which is more dangerous.
- Be sure to drink lots of water, even if you aren’t feeling thirsty.
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
- When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Watch for signs of heat-related illness, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and excessive sweating.
- Check on your elderly and vulnerable neighbors to make sure they are safe.
Temperatures will drop slightly, into the upper-80 to low-90 degrees, Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the humidity will go even higher. There will be a chance of scattered to widespread thunderstorms on both days.