The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Philadelphia region and the entire state of New Jersey that will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday. A heat advisory also has been issued for Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Severe thunderstorms are possible until a cold front moves into the region Tuesday night, meteorologist Lance Franck said. Such weather, which could include wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and prolific lightning, is most likely to occur sometime after 2 p.m., Franck said.
The region might get more than one round of thunderstorms, Franck said. Flash flooding is a possibility in some urban areas with poor drainage.
The heat advisory will last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 90s but feel like the upper 90s before giving way to showers and thunderstorms later in the afternoon.
Wednesday will bring high temperatures in the mid-80s, Franck said. The humidity level is expected to be much lower, too.
During the heat advisory, residents are advised to keep out of the sun when possible, drink plenty of water and wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothing.
If you have to work outside, officials ask that you take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and try to save more strenuous work for early in the morning or later in the evening.
The city of Philadelphia provides information on how to properly deal with excessive heat here.
Staff writer John Kopp contributed to this report.