Philadelphia is preparing for one of its busiest holiday weeks in years as America's 250th anniversary celebrations, FIFA World Cup festivities and Wawa Welcome America events coincide with a dangerous heat wave expected to push temperatures into the triple digits.
The National Weather Service forecasts highs exceeding 100 degrees Thursday and Friday, with humidity creating even hotter conditions. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has declared a Heat Health Emergency beginning Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4.
The declaration activates the city's emergency heat response, including expanded cooling centers, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Heatline, wellness checks for vulnerable residents and enhanced outreach for people experiencing homelessness. Residents can locate cooling centers using the city's online cooling map or by calling 311.
In addition to the usual heat-related response, the city is making further preparations to protect visitors to Philadelphia attending Welcome America and FIFA activities.
The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill has adjusted its operating hours to reduce exposure during the hottest parts of the day. The venue also features cooling and misting tents, shaded seating areas, free water refill stations and multiple medical stations. Visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles.
FIFA announced spectators attending Saturday's FIFA World Cup match at Philadelphia Stadium may bring one factory-sealed, 20-ounce soft plastic water bottle into the stadium. Free water refill stations are available throughout the stadium.
The route of the Salute to Independence Parade on July 3 has been shortened from its original route.
Visitors attending Wawa Welcome America events can cool off at Philadelphia Water Department hydration stations located between City Hall and Lemon Hill. The pop-up visitor centers provide free drinking water, shade and misting stations daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with additional water and ice deliveries planned for July 4. Misting fans will also be available during the July 4th concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
City officials are also encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of Wawa Welcome America's free museum days, offering an opportunity to celebrate indoors while escaping the heat.
Extreme temperatures can cause people to become sick, particularly older adults, people who are pregnant, and children. Health officials urge everyone to take extra precautions to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Residents are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities and stay indoors either at home or at public spaces like libraries or shopping centers. The city urges people not to wait until they feel thirsty to drink water, and to avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, the PCA Heatline (215-765-9040) will be open between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. daily during the Heat Health Emergency. City Health Department nurses will be available to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat. People can also find resources to help them cover the cost of critical utility bills like air conditioning or water.
Pets too can be at risk for heat injuries during extreme heat. The city requires residents to provide their dogs shade or face a $500 fine. To report a dog left outdoors in extreme heat, call the Animal Care and Control Team at 267-385-3800.
“As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, please be aware that the heat that we’ll be experiencing this week can be dangerous,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. “The single best thing that you can do to protect yourself is to take advantage of air conditioning: use it at home, head to a friend’s or loved one’s home, or visit one of the city’s cooling centers... And, as always, please check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they’re safe.”
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