THE HEAT IS ON
REGION SWEATS IT OUT AS TEMPS HIT CENTURY MARK
The upcoming weekend will be the hottest so far this summer with oppressive humidity and the thermometer potentially hitting triple-digit figures for the first time in years.
The National Weather Service placed the Southeast Pennsylvania region under an excessive heat warning through 10 p.m. Sunday as the heat index prepares to reach up to 115 degrees or higher on Saturday alone during the latest heat wave to pass through the region. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s, potentially hitting 100, on Saturday.
“An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur,” according to the weather service. “The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.”
A dangerous heat wave is beginning to build in the central and eastern U.S as the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Barry make its way up from the Gulf Cost according to the weather service.
“On Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures are forecast to be above average for the central and eastern U.S. The heat and the humidity will combine to create dangerous heat indices,” read a Wednesday report from the agency. “The next couple of days are just the beginning as heat is expected to worsen over the weekend.”
The county has been preparing for the summer heat with the annual implementation of its heat plan since June 1.
“While most of us enjoy the sunshine and the warmer weather during the summer months, the heat can be dangerous, especially for our vulnerable and older residents, and our pets,” said Delaware County Council Chairman John McBlain. “It’s important for our residents, particularly the elderly, young children and those with health challenges to say cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.”
A limited number of free box fans for seniors are available through the County of Delaware Services for the Aging office. Reach the COSA office at 610-490-1300 to see about availabil
ity. People are encouraged to leave the windows open in their home with a fan on if they do not have air conditioning.
People are encouraged to stay inside if they can during the heat wave. If not, continuous hydration and wearing of lightcolored clothes is encouraged. Trying to limit the amount of time spent outside at any one time is also encouraged, if possible.
Libraries and in-door community spaces are public spaces that will provide relief from the heat. Other options include senior centers, of which there are a number throughout the county.
The following senior centers are open during the day and have extended hours during excessive heat warnings: Active Day at Crozer in the Alexander Silberman Center at the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, 610447-2933 or 610-447-2935; Surrey Senior Services of Broomall, 1991 S. Sproul Road, Suite 850, 610-3251600; Active Day of Clifton Heights, 214 E. Baltimore Ave. in Clifton Heights,
610-626-4270; Adult Day Services at 3 S. State Road in Upper Darby, 610-3529945;
Chester Senior Center at
721 Hayes St. in Chester,
610-497-3550; Main Line Adult Day Center, 199 Radnor St. in Bryn Mawr, 610527-4220; Upper Darby Senior Center at 326 Watkins Ave. in Upper Darby, 610734-7652; and Wayne Senior Center at 108 Station Road in Wayne, 610-6886246.
Some of these centers will be open during the weekend so call to check their availability.
Other senior centers include Friendship Circle Senior Center at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital on Lansdowne Avenue in Darby, 610-237-6222; Good Neighbor Senior Center at
1085 Hook Road in Darby Township, 610-586-8170; Schoolhouse Senior Center at 600 Swarthmore Ave. in Folsom, 610-237-8100 ext.
30; Surrey Services for Seniors-Havertown at 1105 Earlington Road, 610-4462070; and Surrey Services for Seniors-Media at 302 S. Jackson Ave., 610-5660505. Community Transit may be able to provide transportation to these locations by calling 610-4903977.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately
650 heat-related deaths per year, the death rate highest among people 65 and older.
The weather service forecasts that temperatures will drop down to the
mid-80s on Tuesday.