The National Weather Service issued heat advisories until Wednesday night for much of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, including an excessive heat warning for the Philadelphia area. Wednesday was forecast to be the most humid day of the stretch.
On Independence Mall, workers at the construction site for the President's House know it's all about pacing and coping.
The job site had extra water and cold drinks on hand and there were special rules in place.
"They must have water available for all the men, they must stay cool," said worker Jermaine Robinson of Darby. "If you feel dizzy or something, take a break, chill out for a second."
Most workers said they could get used to the heat, but even the most seasoned among them can be overtaken by high temps.
"First you get really dizzy then you can't walk straight," said Paul Olson with Phoenix Contractors. "It's almost like being drunk."
The tourists on the mall can get rest and shade when they need it. Many of them even carried their own shade.
Of course, some of the heat wasn't coming from the sun, but from the ground. The streets and sidewalks soak up the hot air, and by the late morning the temperature coming off the ground in Philadelphia was about 115 degrees.
The heat also forced the city of Philadelphia to close its school and city-run programs early on Tuesday.
For example, the Bache Martin Elementary School in Fairmount, which is one of the oldest in the district, has only eight air conditioned classrooms. Students were forced to double up in order to stay in the cooler air.
School officials say they are taking extra precautions because common areas like hallways and the cafeteria are not air conditioned.
"If students are hot we allow them to go to the nurse, we allow them to get water as often as they need to. We do have extra bottles of water," said Principal Yvette Duperon.
Speaking of water, one thing officials do not want people to do is open fire hydrants to cool off.
It's not only illegal, but dangerous. An open hydrant can hamper firefighting efforts, plus disrupt water pressure for hospitals and businesses.
Only a limited number of hydrants are equipped with a recreational sprinkler cap. To get one, a neighborhood representative must apply for the equipment.
This heat is especially dangerous for the elderly. That's why The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has activated its "heatline" to help the elderly and others who have questions during this heat wave.
Nurses and other staff are available until midnight.
Just call 215-765-9040.
