Heat, air quality alerts for Philly area Friday

Heat and air quality alerts are in effect in the Philadelphia region Friday, as the area swelters on what's likely to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Forecasters say high temperatures Friday are expected to reach the mid 90s, potentially flirting with the record for the date of 95 degrees and prompting some schools to announce early closings.

A National Weather Service heat advisory, in effect from noon through 8 p.m., says heat index values could reach 100 due to the warm temperatures and high humidity.

The most intense heat is expected between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The advisory says people should take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, such as wearing loose clothing and drinking plenty of water.

A "code orange" air quality was also issued for the region. That means air pollution levels are unhealthy for groups like children, the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions.

The heat is prompting all Philadelphia School District schools to close early due to the heat. The district said students would be dismissed at noon.

At least one South Jersey district, Haddonfield Public Schools, was also planning to dismiss students early.

If the warm temperatures continue as expected, Philadelphia could see its first heat wave of 2015.

The mercury reached 92 degrees Thursday at Philadelphia International Airport, which tied the highest mark of 2015 to date.

Forecasters say Friday will be even hotter, with the potential to reach the June 12 record of 95, which was set in 1947.

And another day with a high around 90 is expected for Saturday. Three days or more of 90 plus temperatures qualifies as a heat wave.

For more about what to expect this weekend, in Philadelphia and at New Jersey and Delaware beaches, see Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz's full weekend forecast.