Heat dome descends on Philadelphia
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A heat dome is fueling high temps in the Philadelphia region that will stick around next week.
The big picture: We have company. Dangerous heat levels are affecting nearly 85 million Americans east of the Rockies this week.
State of play: The hottest temps are forecast for Friday, which could top out around 97 in Center City, per NWS meteorologist Robert Deal.
- An extreme heat warning is in effect from 10am-9pm, as the heat index could climb to 108.
Plus: Plan for the mercury to remain in the 90s or upper 80s through at least Wednesday.
How it works: The main driver is hot, moist air being drawn up from the Atlantic and trapped by a high pressure ridge.
🧮 By the numbers: Philly has seen 23 days with temps higher than 90 and five days above 95 this year through Tuesday, per NWS.
Threat level: Long-duration heat waves can be particularly serious events, with warm evenings offering less of a reprieve and extreme heat having a cumulative effect on our health.
- So drink plenty of liquids, find a cooling center in the city, visit a city pool or spray ground, and check up on relatives and neighbors.