Heat Alerts Issued for Philadelphia and Most of England

Philadelphia, June 22, 2024 – The National Weather Service declared an “excessive heat warning” for the Philadelphia region on Saturday afternoon, with temperatures reaching 98°F, the highest since August 2022. The heat index soared into the triple figures. Saturday marked the sultriest afternoon of the year, with the morning low of 75°F tying a 114-year-old record. The sweltering conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, with highs in the 90s and heat indexes over 100°F anticipated on Sunday.

Ray Martin of the National Weather Service predicts widespread showers Sunday afternoon and evening, offering short-term relief. However, the cumulative heat inside homes without air conditioning poses life-threatening risks, particularly for the elderly and physically vulnerable. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s “heatline” will operate through Sunday to assist residents.

Conditions are expected to improve by Monday afternoon with the passage of a cold front, though the region may experience a seventh consecutive 90-plus-degree day.

England, June 24, 2024 – The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat-health alerts for most of England, effective from 08:00 BST on Monday until Thursday afternoon. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 30°C (86°F), with the highest temperatures of the summer so far predicted as warm air moves northwards. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see highs of 24-26°C on Monday. In England and Wales, temperatures could reach 28-29°C midweek, accompanied by strong sunshine and warmer, more humid nights.

The yellow alert is in place for eight regions: East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, South East, South West, East of England, London, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The North East is not affected. Cooler and wetter weather is expected by the end of the week, although the timing of this change remains uncertain.

Introduced in June 2023, the weather health alert system aims to reduce illness and deaths by improving communication between the public and healthcare professionals during extreme weather.

The current heatwave necessitates precautions, particularly for vulnerable populations.