Three people have died this weekend as a result of health complications stemming from the extreme heat blanketing the Philadelphia area over the past several days, the medical examiner's office said.
Related Article: A heat wave survival guide
According to authorities, a 67-year-old diabetic women in Port Richmond died of congestive heart failure and an 82-year-old woman with heart disease died of hypercholesterolemia in North Philadelphia. On Sunday, officials confirmed that a 59-year-old man suffering from diabetes and congestive heart failure also passed away.
An Excessive Heat Warning will remain in effect in southeastern Pennsylvania until 9 p.m. Sunday night as temperatures continue to reach the mid-to-upper nineties, with heat index values pushing as high as 108 degrees.
Philadelphia residents are advised to take extra precaution and consider the following tips:
• Schedule strenuous outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke
Additional information and tips from the city can be reviewed here and here.
Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly friends, neighbors and relatives to ensure their safety. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Heatline will be open to callers on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 215-765-9040.
As of mid-August, six people have died this summer as a result of excessive heat in Philadelphia.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service say some relief is on the way early this week in the form of a frontal boundary that will bring lower evening temperatures and cut down on the mugginess. Here's a look at the forecast:
Sunday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 109.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. At night, mostly cloudy, with a low around 77.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 91. At night, mostly cloudy with a low around 73.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Partly cloudy at night with a low around 71.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. At night, partly cloudy with a low around 68.