Following a spell of cool, dreary weather, the Philadelphia area is bracing for a significant rise in temperatures, with a heat advisory in effect for Thursday and a warning that conditions could worsen beginning Sunday through early next week.
“Monday, Tuesday, even into Wednesday … are going to be pretty oppressive days,” said Pennsylvania State Climatologist Kyle Imhoff, highlighting the anticipated conditions that could pose risks to public health.
Forecasters predict temperatures will soar into the mid- to upper-nineties, combined with elevated humidity levels, creating a hazardous environment particularly for those lacking access to air conditioning.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity can severely affect the body’s ability to cool itself. High humidity levels inhibit sweat evaporation, which hinders the body’s natural cooling process.
“It’s one of our great evolutionary benefits,” said Chris Uejio, a professor at Florida State University specializing in climate change impacts on human health. “That helps the body cool down much more than it does by just trying to pump blood towards the skin surface and having the air transfer that heat away.”
However, when the air is saturated with moisture, sweat evaporates less effectively.
Uejio explained that high humidity also keeps nighttime temperatures uncomfortably high, contributing to a lack of restful sleep. According to Imhoff, the elevated dew point acts as a “floor” for nighttime temperatures, making conditions more unbearable.
While the expected humidity levels this coming week are higher than average, they are within the normal range for the Philadelphia region. Meteorologist Nick Guzzo from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey noted that the abrupt transition from mild temperatures could amplify the perception of heat.
As temperatures and humidity rise, the risk of heat-related health issues escalates. Extreme heat is a significant contributor to weather-related health problems in the United States, according to Uejio.
Individuals may experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with symptoms including dizziness, intense sweating, headaches, and potentially severe signs like high internal body temperature, confusion, and seizures.
In extreme cases, heat can exacerbate existing medical conditions, leading to increased mortality rates related to cardiovascular disease, especially among vulnerable populations, according to Dr. Sameed Khatana, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine and a physician at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Dr. Khatana pointed out that extreme heat places considerable strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly affecting individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes. Certain medications, like diuretics and beta blockers, can further increase a person’s sensitivity to extreme heat.
Additionally, vulnerable populations including the elderly, homeless individuals, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning may face higher risks during this heat wave.
Experts emphasize the importance of staying safe during extreme weather conditions. The best precaution is to avoid heat altogether by seeking air-conditioned environments. Unfortunately, many residents in Philadelphia lack adequate air conditioning or the financial resources to cope with the rising electricity costs.
This summer, the situation is further complicated as the state is experiencing a shortage of federal funding for the free air conditioning program it typically provides.
For those without air conditioning, experts recommend seeking refuge in public spaces like libraries or shopping malls that offer air conditioning.
Despite the unfavorable conditions, the City of Philadelphia has yet to declare a heat health emergency, which would prompt the extended hours of senior centers, libraries, and recreation centers to serve as cooling centers for residents.
In addition to finding shelter, it’s crucial for individuals to prioritize hydration to alleviate cardiovascular strain associated with excessive heat. Rachel Cottle, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, encourages people to stay hydrated to help the body produce sweat effectively.
Cottle also suggests practical measures to help control body temperature, such as submerging hands and forearms in cool water for ten-minute intervals or placing cool, damp towels on pulse points like the neck or armpits.
While using fans may provide relief, caution is advised; when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, fans can exacerbate heat by circulating hot air.
Those who must work outdoors are urged to stay hydrated, take necessary breaks, and seek shade whenever possible.
For community members who know elderly individuals living alone, checking in on them during peak heat hours is key, Uejio emphasized.
“Extreme heat can be deceptive in its effects, and often individuals do not realize the impact it has until it is too late,” he warned.
As the Philadelphia area prepares for a wave of oppressive heat, staying informed, hydrated, and connected to community resources can help mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather.
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