The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a Heat Health Emergency across the city, warning residents that a dangerous heat dome is expected to push real-feel temperatures into triple digits. The emergency takes effect Wednesday, July 1, at 11 a.m. and is currently scheduled to remain in place through Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service have issued an Extreme Heat Warning for southeastern Pennsylvania, noting that multiple days of intense humidity combined with highs near 100°F could drive heat index values as high as 105°F to 110°F.

The emergency declaration automatically triggers the city’s extreme weather protocols. Along with expanded homeless outreach teams and citywide health check-ins, the Philadelphia Water Department has suspended all utility shutoffs for the duration of the emergency to guarantee uninterrupted access to water. A Code Red status is also in effect, meaning dedicated outreach networks are actively searching the streets to provide vulnerable individuals with transportation to air-conditioned facilities.

The hazardous weather lands on one of the busiest holiday weeks the city has anticipated in years, colliding with Wawa Welcome America events, America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, and ongoing FIFA World Cup festivities, as reported by Metro Philadelphia.

Air-Conditioned Free Library Cooling Centers

Public libraries will serve as designated cooling centers, remaining open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the declaration days:

• Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library — 52nd & Sansom
• Haddington Library — 446 N. 65th Street
• Haverford Library — 5543 Haverford Avenue
• Overbrook Park Library — 7422 Haverford Avenue
• Walnut Street West Library — 40th & Walnut Streets
• Charles L. Durham Library — 3320 Haverford Avenue
• Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library — 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway
• Kingsessing Library — 1201 S. 51st Street
• Paschalville Library — 6942 Woodland Avenue

To search for additional cooling sites, click here.

Important Phone Lines

• PCA Heatline (215-765-9040): Run by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, this emergency phone line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the declaration. On-site health department nurses are available to answer medical questions about heat exhaustion or help organize welfare checks on vulnerable seniors.
• Philly 311: Residents can call 311 to track down open city pool schedules, local sprayground locations, or up-to-the-minute updates on cooling facility hours.
• Homeless Outreach (215-232-1984): Call this line immediately if you spot an unsheltered neighbor who requires emergency shelter transport.
• ACCT Philly (267-385-3800): Call to report an animal or dog left unsheltered. City health ordinances mandate that dogs must be provided proper shade during extreme heat, with violations carrying a $500 fine.