Philly braces for potentially historic heat wave
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Temperatures in Philly could soar into the triple digits this week for the first time in more than a decade, part of a wave of extreme heat and humidity that has residents bracing for the worst.
Why it matters: Sweltering humidity affects your body's ability to naturally cool off through sweat, experts warn — and without AC, people are especially at risk when extreme heat drags on.
The big picture: Extreme humidity may impact Philly and 40 states in the coming weeks, according to the Washington Post, with temperatures above 90 degrees affecting millions.
- Rising ocean temperatures in the Gulf and Atlantic are expected to create extra-steamy conditions here and in the eastern states.
Driving the news: Philly is under an extreme heat watch to kick off the week, with forecasters predicting a stretch of several days in the high 90s.
- The city could hit triple digits Tuesday for the first time since 2012, with humidity levels expected to reach very high or extreme levels early this week, per the Post.
Flashback: Philly historically hasn't recorded many days over 100 degrees, but the city registered five in 1988, per NBC 10.
Zoom out: Heat waves are becoming more prevalent as a result of climate change, with Philly experiencing an average of 30 days per year with temperatures above 90 degrees, up from 21 days in the 1950s, per the Inquirer.
The bottom line: Stay inside and find other ways of beating the heat.