Update: Weather Service Upgrades Watch to Heat Warning

On June 7 at 3:15 p.m., the National Weather Service in Mt. Holly upgraded the excessive heat watch to an excessive heat warning for much of Southeastern Pennsylvania including Bucks and Montgomery counties.

The watch is in effect from Wednesday at noon through Thursday at 8 p.m.

According to the weather service, there is a very hot and humid air mass over the region that will cause temperatures to swell into the mid-90s creating dangerous conditions. Heat index values between 95 to 100 are expected.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The elderly, infirm, children and pets are at greatest risk especially where there is no air conditioning, the weather service said.  

Sleeping can also be disrupted where air conditioning is not available. The Weather Service suggests that you stay in an air-conditioned room; stay out of the sun; and check up on relatives and neighbors. 

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.  To reduce heat risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911.

The weather service asks that you not leave anyone unattended in a vehicle for any length of time as it could result in their death.

Here’s the local forecast:

• Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southwest.
• Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. West wind between 6 and 9 mph.
• Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
• Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. West wind between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.