Heat warning as temperature nears high for the year

Just before 2 p.m, the temperature hit 93 degrees at Philadelphia International Airport, inching toward the year's previous high of 94, attained on June 8.

As of 3:29, however, today was stuck at 93, still in second place.

It did beat yesterday's 92.

The "excessive heat warning" issued by the National Weather Service is staying in effect till 7 p.m. for Philadelphia and all of its surrounding counties. New Castle County in Delaware and Mercer County in New Jersey were also included.

With humidity high, as well, the heat index - a discomfort level - might go up 105 degrees, forecasters predicted.

At that level, heat-related illnesses are possible, the service said.

Four other days - two last week and two in late May - hit 90 or 91.

For advice by phone, call the Heatline of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, at 215-765-9040. It should be staffed until midnight.

Several precautions have been publicized by the weather service:

Drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid extended periods in the sun.

Stay in air-conditioned or well-ventilated places.

Check on neighbors and relatives.

Make sure pets are cool and have water.

Thunderstorms are expected later today and tomorrow, but tomorrow's heat index could again reach 100.

For more on the forecast go to http://go.philly.com/weather.

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