Philadelphia⁢ Opens Cooling Centers Amid Dangerous Heat⁤ Wave

‍ Updated⁣ June 23, 2025

Philadelphia is preparing for extreme heat, wiht ⁤temperatures forecast to reach 100 degrees this week and “feel like” temperatures potentially hitting 108. The⁢ city and surrounding areas are opening public pools and ⁢cooling centers to help residents combat the heat.

More than 40 cooling centers will be available in ⁣Philadelphia during peak‍ heat hours. Residents can find a map of locations online. public pools are also open, providing a place to cool off, but officials advise people to stay hydrated and⁢ limit sun exposure.

The heat wave began Sunday, with ⁣temperatures already in the ⁤mid-90s. Some residents were taking precautions early. Pat Baumgardner, of Philadelphia, spent Sunday evening at a city fountain with his daughter.

“Tuesday’s going to be 100? I’m a little ⁣nervous about that,” Baumgardner said. ⁤He added that he planned to work from home in air conditioning while his daughter played in a kiddie pool in ⁢the ‍shade.

Wawa Welcome America hosted a block party in partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies and‍ Philadelphia Soccer 2026 outside Citizens Bank Park ⁣and Lincoln Financial Field on ⁢sunday.Kathy⁤ Macartney attended the block party and said she was impressed the city was hosting the event for its citizens. “I would prefer for it to be about 10 degrees cooler, but it⁣ doesn’t stop us,” Macartney said.

David Ferraro,who works outside at Hershey⁢ Park,advised,”It might be hot out the next couple of ⁣days…stay ⁣hydrated. That’s⁣ the key. Shade when you can.⁣ Just pay attention to your body to make sure you’re not overheated…Take it easy.”

What’s next

Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit time in the sun, seek ‍air conditioning when possible, and check on elderly relatives and neighbors. In case of emergency, people should ‍call 9-1-1.