Excessive Heat Warning in Effect Wednesday through Friday

Prepare to find ways to stay cool for the rest of this week, as the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Bucks and Montgomery counties starting Wednesday.

The warning will go into effect Wednesday at 1 p.m. and remain in effect until Friday at 6 a.m.

According to the warning, heat index values will generally be 98 to 103 degrees Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Daytime highs will be in the mid to upper 90s Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and lows will generally bottom out in the lower to mid 70s.

An excessive heat warning means that there will be a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation, which can make heat illnesses likely, according to the warning.

The National Weather Service advises to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioned places, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.

Additionally, Wednesday is an Air Quality Action Day for the Greater Philadelphia region, according to information provided by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The air quality index for Wednesday is a code orange, meaning active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Therefore, people should protect their health by limiting strenuous outdoor activities and attempt to prevent air pollution on days of extreme heat.

In order to do so, try and take public transportation when possible, refuel your vehicle at night and try to conserve energy in your home.

Here is the forecast for the next few days:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98 degrees. Heat index values as high as 101. West wind between 3 and 8 mph. 

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76 degrees. West wind between 3 and 7 mph. 

Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98 degrees. West wind between 5 and 8 mph. 

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. 

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.