A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for parts of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania as well as Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties in New Jersey until Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Much of our region remained under a severe thunderstorm watch Wednesday night.
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What's the chance for showers?
The showers became more widespread on Wednesday, finally ending the oppressive heat, but bringing the threat for damaging winds.
Later on Wednesday, a cold front brought showers and thunderstorms, finally ending the heat wave. The threat for scattered storms cover the entire Philadelphia region.
Second round of damaging storms
The New Jersey Transit reported experiencing delays due to their air conditioning units in some of their trains not working.
"NJ TRANSIT does not send out equipment for passenger service if an air conditioning issue is known. As a result, customers may experience delays, and it may be necessary to cancel or combine select trips for the next 48-72 hours," NJ TRANSIT said in a statement.
The Philadelphia International Airport was also under a ground stop that is causing delays due to the weather as of 7:55 p.m. Wednesday night.
When will relief from the heat come?
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through at least Wednesday evening.
Wednesday was in the mid-90s, feeling like 100 to 103 with high humidity.
By Thursday, temperatures will drop into the 80s, bringing relief for the rest of the week.
Another heat wave became official in Philadelphia when the temperature on Monday broke 90 degrees and it will finally end on Wednesday.
The hottest temps yet 🌡️
This was our third heat wave this year, already, and it was the hottest one yet in some places.
Temperatures Tuesday afternoon neared 100 degrees in much of the region. In Philadelphia, the high got to 98 on Tuesday afternoon, while parts of Burlington County -- including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst -- hit 101.
Tuesday marked the fourth day in a row with temperatures rising to 90 degrees or above. The mercury hit 91 on Saturday, 94 on Sunday and 97 on Monday.
On Wednesday it felt near or above triple digits, again, in much of the region.
First round of damaging storms
Storms moved through Tuesday evening, leaving some trees down and power out throughout the Pennsylvania suburbs.
Trees toppled onto a man's home in Chester County: "It's not something you want to come home to," Lenny Smart said.
Parts of the region saw damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and isolated large hail events.
The storms left power out for more than 48,974 PECO customers still as of 1:52 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the utility said. PECO says they have restored service for over 80,000 residents so far.
There were also a number of power outages reported by Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva and PSE&G.
SEPTA had train delays due to several downed trees on Regional Rail lines.
The Philadelphia Airport had to issue a ground stop due to the heavy rain and winds. That was later lifted.
Tips for dealing with heat, noticing signs of heat-related illness
It’s crucial to take precautions: stay in the shade, use air conditioning and fans, drink plenty of water and limit afternoon activities. Mornings are cooler, so try to get things done early.
Philadelphia officials explained why the extended heat can be so dangerous to older people and people with health conditions.
"The Health Department declares a Heat Health Emergency when the temperature gets high enough that vulnerable people – especially our elderly neighbors and family members – are at an increased risk of getting sick or dying from the heat,” Interim Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Franklin said. “The best way to protect our loved ones is to make sure they can get into air conditioning during the hottest part of the day. As always, we encourage Philadelphians to check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they’re safe and don’t need assistance."
The heat wave leads to dangerous health conditions with little relief offered. Be sure to limit time exerting yourself outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Ready.gov shares these heat tips:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot on your pet’s feet.
Also, be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses. A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; red, hot and dry skin without sweat; a rapid, strong pulse; and dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness can all be signs of heat stroke.
Should you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the hospital immediately.
You can click this link from the National Weather Service for details on the signs of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and other heat-related illnesses.
In Camden County, New Jersey, a heat advisory is in effect.
“As temperatures reach dangerous levels, residents are urged to stay indoors and stay as hydrated as possible,” County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said. “During times of extreme heat, it is crucial to remain vigilant and look out for any signs of heat stress. Contact medical services immediately if you or a loved one are noticing any symptoms of heat exhaustion.”
Places to cool off
In Philadelphia, cooling centers are open for seniors looking to beat the heat and city pools and spraygrounds are open for young folks looking to beat the heat.
Click here for a interactive map showing all the spots where people can cool off in Philadelphia during the heat wave. The Free Library of Philadelphia is also reminding people of several of its locations open to the public.
It is also important to keep an eye out for people on the streets without a place to go.
"Call the outreach team at (215) 232-1984 to help someone who’s on the street or 911 for a medical emergency," the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services posted on social media. "Visit https://bit.ly/PhilaCodeRedto learn more."
People looking for relief from the heat can also go to recreation centers and libraries far beyond just Philadelphia. Call ahead to make sure those locations could be open.
Stay ahead of whatever Mother Nature brings
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