More than 77 million Americans were under heat alerts to start the weekend as record temperatures turned deadly in Pennsylvania and disrupted the 2022 New York Triathlon.
An excessive heat advisory is in effect through Sunday night for parts of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, which is expected to reach a heat index of 107 degrees on Saturday.
National Weather Service meteorologists say extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.
On Saturday, Pennsylvania state officials said a 73-year-old Allentown man died, in part from heat exposure.
Excessive heat in Pennsylvania turned deadly earlier this weekend after officials say a 77-year-old man died of heat-related causes. An excessive heat advisory is in effect for parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware through Sunday night.
Philadelphia libraries are open as cooling centers to provide some relief to residents without air conditioning. SEPTA, the subway bus system, has parked buses throughout the city to also act as cooling centers.
Sunday will also be hot in the City of Brotherly Love with an expected high of 101 degrees, compared to the average temperature for this time of year of 88 degrees.
Boston officials announced Friday that the 2022 Boston Triathlon will be moved from Sunday, July 24 to August 21 to try to avoid the heat.
The 2022 New York City Triathlon is still scheduled to continue on Sunday, when the heat index is expected to reach 104 degrees throughout parts of the event. However, organizers have decided to shorten parts of the event due to the dangerous heat as well.
More than 77 million Americans were under heat alerts to start the weekend as record temperatures turned deadly. AP Photo/Nathan Howard
The triathlon bike will be shortened from 40km (24.8 miles) to 20km (12.4 miles) and the run will be shortened from 6.2 miles to 2.5 miles.
“While it is disappointing to shorten the length of both races, our number one priority is to do everything we can to ensure the safety and well-being of our competitors, volunteers, medical staff and spectators,” Triathlon officials said.
Temperatures will be in the 90s on Saturday, with heat index values ranging from 95 to 100 in northern Connecticut, western and eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. On Sunday, the heat index will cross into triple digits in Boston, New York and Washington.
In the Northeast, the overnight hours won’t offer much relief from the hot and humid conditions, with overnight temperatures remaining in the 70s through Sunday.
Visitors and residents of the nation’s capital will also want to stay hydrated over the weekend, with high temperatures expected in the 90s and possible highs of 100 degrees on Sunday, about 10 degrees above average.
National Weather Service meteorologists reported that extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.
Heat advisories also extend across the Midwest and central US, including Wichita, St. Louis, Des Moines and sink south to Shreveport, Louisiana and Birmingham. Highs on Friday will return to the mid-90s to low 100s, with widespread heat index readings above 100.
In the desert southwest, it’s hot even by their high standards. Excessive heat advisories have been issued for areas such as Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Temperatures across much of the desert southwest were expected to reach 100 degrees Saturday, including 110 in Las Vegas.
As these temperatures continue to rise, it’s imperative to take the right precautions to stay cool and safe.
Dr. FOX News medical contributor Janette Nesheiwat tells FOX Weather.
First, try to limit the time you spend outdoors during extreme heat. The best time to be outdoors would be early in the morning or later in the evening.
If you need to go outside during the day, wear loose, light, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of fluids.
“Always look before you lock” to make sure you haven’t left a child or pet in the car. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle with the windows rolled up can be deadly.