Philadelphia, PA – Dangerous heat will bake the mid-Atlantic today, with “feels like” temperatures climbing as high as 106° across parts of New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania, prompting a widespread heat advisory from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, heat index values will reach 100°–106° in counties stretching from Cape May and Atlantic City to Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Trenton. The advisory covers all of central and southern New Jersey, as well as southeast Pennsylvania and most of Delaware. In Morris County, heat index values may top 100° as well.
Urban areas like Camden, Cherry Hill, and Norristown are especially vulnerable due to the urban heat island effect. Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak hours, and check on older neighbors. Wear light clothing and never leave pets or children in parked cars.
Cooling centers are open in several cities, including Philadelphia, Trenton, and Wilmington. SEPTA and NJ Transit may experience minor heat-related delays.
This is the region’s first significant heat event of July. Similar to last summer’s July 5–7 stretch, today’s heat could strain power grids and cause scattered air quality issues.
The heat advisory expires at 8 p.m. tonight, but more alerts may be issued if the pattern holds.
