Due to dangerous weather conditions in the region forecasted for today with the temperatures in the mid-90’s and high humidity, Philadelphia Health Commissioner James Buehler has issued an excessive heat warning for Philadelphia beginning at noon. The ‘Heatline’ (215-765-9040) will be in operation from noon through midnight.

Just like on July 19, when the summer’s first heat warning was issued, the City will activate summer heat programs, including enhanced daytime outreach for the homeless. The authorities also encourage the public to check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors.

In a heat wave, the majority of the victims are older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions, so health officials urge the public to visit older friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure that air conditioners or fans are working, and homes are adequately ventilated. Other groups at risk in the extreme heat include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment and persons engaged in strenuous physical activity.  Continue Reading

With the temperatures in the mid-90’s and heat index into 100’s, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Philadelphia beginning at noon today. The warning signals the activation of the City’s special summer heat programs, including enhanced daytime outreach for the homeless. The authorities also encourage the public to check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors.

The ‘Heatline’ (215-765-9040) will be in operation from noon through midnight on Sunday and from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.

In a heat wave, the majority of the victims are older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions, so health officials urge the public to visit older friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure that air conditioners or fans are working, and homes are adequately ventilated. Other groups at risk in the extreme heat include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment and persons engaged in strenuous physical activity.

People who do not have air conditioning are advised to seek relief from the heat, for at least some part of the day, in shopping malls, movie theaters, senior centers and other air-conditioned public spaces.

Please avoid, as much as possible working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas, stay hydrated and if you have difficulty breathing or experience any other serious heat stress symptoms seek immediate medical attention.

Also, keep your pets inside and give them plenty of water.

All public schools will open two hours late on Monday, March 2, due to icy road conditions. There is also a two-hour delay opening for all prekindergarten programs and all administrative offices.

Please go to www.philasd.org for updates. Updated information will also be posted on the District’s Information Hotline at 215-400-INFO (4636).

Due to the severe weather forecast, all School District of Philadelphia schools are closed for Tuesday, December 10. Early childhood and after school programs are also closed, the district announced. Administrative offices are open.

The general public and media are urged to monitor the District Web site at www.philasd.org for any updates. Updated information will also be posted on the District’s Information Hotline at 215-400-INFO (4636).

The intersection of Melville St and Baltimore Ave.

All in all it appears that most of West Philly fared pretty well during Hurricane Sandy. There have been reports of pockets of power outages due mostly to downed trees. For example, a fallen tree near the intersection of Melville Street and Baltimore Avenue has left about half-dozen residents there without power.

Most businesses are going back to their regular hours and SEPTA was scheduled to reopen subway, El, trolley and 80 percent of city bus routes and 60 percent of suburban bus routes at Noon on Tuesday. However, there will be no regional rail routes. Check www.septa.org for specific bus route info.

Flights are expected to resume at the Philadelphia International Airport this afternoon.

Schools, city offices and courts remained closed Tuesday, but will reopen on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

A large branch dropped near the corner of 46th and Pine last night.