High Heat, Oppressive Humidity, Storms Headed For Area

Soaring temperatures, oppressive humidity and sporadic thunderstorms are expected to grip the region over the coming days.

A warm front pushing into the area Wednesday will cause dew points to rise and result in what meteorologists described as an “unpleasantly muggy day,” according to the National Weather Service’s Philadelphia region forecast office.

The weather will also bring a risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms, which are forecast to develop by mid- to late afternoon and into the early evening.

Intense heat is forecast to stay around through the weekend, with daytime temperatures climbing into the low to mid-90s.

Forecasters expect heat index values, a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is combined with air temperature, to range between 95 and 104 degrees through Friday.

A Heat Advisory will officially be in effect from Thursday through Friday.

Additional chances for showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast over the next several days alongside the high heat.

Weather service officials advised residents to take safety measures during the expected heat wave.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” forecasters said in a statement.

“Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” they added.

Relief from the high heat is on the horizon, as high temperatures are expected to drop back into the 80s by Monday.