Philadelphia issues excessive heat warning

Excessive heat and humidity are prompting some communities to take action.

The heat has prompted officials in Montgomery County to declare a Code Red Hot Weather Health Warning.

The season’s first potentially unsafe heat wave is forecast to pick up steam Thursday and Friday, when heat index values could crack triple digits.

The impact of the heat could be problematic for individuals with health issues, especially the elderly.

Forecasters are calling for a sunny afternoon, with highs around 94 across the state and a slight breeze.

The warning will be in effect from Wednesday, July 6 through Saturday, July 9, 2016 between noon and 8 p.m. each day.

Air quality alerts also have been issued in Philadelphia and Camden Counties, which mean air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and people suffering from heart disease, asthma, or other lung diseases.

Temperatures are expected to stay above 90 degrees for the rest of the week.

To match their all-time high temperature for July 6, Freehold and Marlboro would have to hit 100 degrees, Atlantic City would have to hit 102 degrees, and Newark, New Brunswick and Plainfield would have to hit 103 degrees. The National Weather Service said relief is on its way by Saturday, when a cool front is predicted to roll in.