Excessive heat watch already declared

By Peter Mucha and INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: June 19, 2012

Wednesday, the first day of summer, and Thursday could be the hottest days of the year so far, and Friday could be day three of 2012's first heat wave.

An excessive heat watch has already been declared for Philadelphia and the following counties: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks in Pennsylvania; Camden, Gloucester, Mercer and northwestern Burlington in New Jersey; and New Castle County in Delaware.

Conditions will warrant the usual warnings that extra precautions should be taken with children, the elderly, outdoor workers and people with medical conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

After highs in the mid-70s today, with a chance of showers this afternoon and evening, and the mid-80s on Tuesday, expect to see the mid-90s Wednesdays, and the upper 90s Thursday.

This year has seen the 90s only three times so far in Philadelphia, with a 94 on June 10 the highest so far.

The heat index, a measure of discomfort based on both heat and humidity, could top 100 degrees on Thursday.

Friday should see the low 90s, qualifying for the year's first wave.

Temperatures will be cooler toward the Shore, reaching the 80s only Wednesday and Thursday at Ocean City.

Highs in Philadelphia and its suburbs should moderate back into the upper 80s for Saturday and Sunday.

The stretch from Tuesday through Sunday looks dry, so expect to see folks watering gardens and lawns.

For more on the forecast, see Philly.com's weather page.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

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