Get the pool passes ready, put in the A/C units, get the central air serviced, plug in the fans, and make a plan to stay cool — by Wednesday, summer is coming in hot.
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After a relatively mild start to summer, southeastern Pennsylvania appears headed for its most dangerous stretch of heat yet.
Forecasters are increasingly confident that a sprawling “heat dome” will settle over the eastern United States by Wednesday, sending temperatures into the upper 90s and potentially above 100 degrees across Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for at least the next two weeks.
When combined with oppressive humidity, heat index values could climb into the 105- to 110-degree range, with some forecast models suggesting isolated locations could briefly feel as hot as 113 degrees.
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The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly has already highlighted the potential for multiple consecutive days of dangerous heat, noting that maximum heat index values could exceed 105 degrees and may warrant Extreme Heat Warnings if forecast trends continue.
6abc’s Chris Sowers showed multiple rounds of 100 degree heat coming up: Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5 shows temperatures hitting as high as 107 degrees on Thursday and 108 degrees on Friday, and returning to 105 degrees on Sunday.
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Then, the wave returns Wednesday, July 8, lasting through Sunday, July 12, with temperatures forecast to hit 102 degrees on Friday, July 10.
Unlike a single hot afternoon, meteorologists say this event could become increasingly dangerous because the heat is expected to build over several days while overnight temperatures remain unusually warm, offering little opportunity for the human body to recover.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heat stroke. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic medical conditions face the greatest risk.
Credit: Commonwealth Media Services
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Outdoor workers are encouraged to complete strenuous tasks as early in the morning as possible, ideally before noon, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, drink water and electrolyte-replacement beverages regularly, and immediately stop working if they begin experiencing dizziness, confusion or weakness.
Pet owners should also take precautions. Animals should have continuous access to fresh water and shade, while walks should be limited during the hottest parts of the day. Pavement temperatures can quickly exceed 140 degrees on sunny afternoons, hot enough to burn dogs’ paw pads within seconds.
The developing weather pattern is being driven by a large ridge of high pressure, commonly referred to as a heat dome, which traps hot air near the surface while suppressing cloud formation and widespread rainfall. NOAA forecasters expect this system to expand across much of the eastern United States this week, bringing widespread temperatures in the 90s and low 100s from the Midwest through the Mid-Atlantic.
From the National Weather Service:
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 78.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Independence Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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