The temperature stood at 97 at 2 p.m. at Philadelphia International Airport, the highest reading since the 98 on June 10, 2008, but it plummeted 26 degrees – all the way to 71 – as a result of the storm.
As a result, the National Weather Service probably will take down its "excessive heat warning" at 5 p.m., said Tony Gigi, a lead forecaster in the Mount Holly office.
Gigi said a gust of 75 m.p.h. was measured at the airport.
The storm apparently brought an end to the latest heat wave, and it appears that the city got through without any heat-related fatalities, said Health Department spokesman Jeff Moran.
After one of the warmest overnight periods ever, the heat index did make it to 100 at 1 p.m.
Friday's predicted high of 89 would officially break the heat wave - defined as three or more straight days of 90 or more - that started Sunday.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday are expected to hit 90, with more possible thunderstorms.
The comes some real relief - a high in the mid 80s Tuesday, and just 80 on Wednesday, according to the extended forecast.
For more on the forecast, go to http://go.philly.com/weather.
