Extreme heat warning to go into effect Wednesday for the Philadelphia region as July 4th approaches

Norristown, Pennsylvania announced Tuesday that its July 4th parade has been canceled due to the extreme heat in the forecast.

No other July 4th festivities are impacted, city leaders said.

The full statement from Norristown is below:

After careful consideration, the municipal leaders have made the difficult decision to cancel its 4th of July Parade due to an excessive heat warning in effect for our area.

The decision to cancel the parade was made jointly by the municipal special event organizer, Norristown Fire Chief O'Donnell and Norristown Police Chief Michael B. Trail and in consultation with Municipal Council.

"The parade is one of our community's most beloved traditions, and we share in the disappointment of its cancelation, especially as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. With dangerous heat in the forecast, the safety of our families, our marchers, and our first responders must come first," said Interim Municipal Administrator Jayne Musonye.

The parade was set to kick off on July 4 at 1 p.m. from the downtown historic district with a grand marshal, community leaders and organizations, string band and more entertainment walking an almost two-mile route to Elmwood Park.

No other 4th of July festivities are being canceled.

The Party in the Park at Elmwood Park will go on as planned at 3 p.m. with food vendors, games, face painting, live music, and family fun throughout the afternoon and evening, capped off by the annual fireworks show around 9:15 p.m.

Municipal leaders thank would-be parade participants, residents and all other 4th of July stakeholders for their understanding and ask everyone to take care in the heat.

For the latest updates and event information, visit www.norristown.gov.

The Camden County Office of Emergency Management declared that that the county will be under a Code Red Advisory for the following dates and times due to projected dangerously high temperatures by the National Weather Service:

-Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

-Thursday, July 2, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

-Friday, July 3, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

-Saturday, July 4, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

-Sunday, July 5, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

A Code Red Advisory is issued when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures of 95F or higher for at least two consecutive days, or a single-day temperature of 100F or above.

In accordance with state law, Camden County is activating their Code Red Response Plan to provide shelter and support for vulnerable populations during these periods of extreme heat. Based on that, cooling centers are being activated throughout the county to ensure anyone in need of respite can find it.

"When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, remember to stay inside as much as possible, drink plenty of water," said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety. "Please check on your neighbors and ensure that they are safe and able to stay cool. If someone begins to show signs of distress, contact a physician immediately."

To avoid heat-related illness, the Department of Public Safety recommends the following:

-Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas.

-If you must be out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor, lightweight clothing, and take plenty of breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.

-Drink plenty of water to help avoid dehydration.

-Utilize air conditioners and fans, and open windows to release trapped hot air.

-Individuals taking regular medication should consult with their physician, as some medications may cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.

-Do not leave children or pets alone in cars.

-Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh drinking water, and do not leave them outdoors for extended periods of time.

The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness, and nausea. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering, and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should see immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, and mist the individual with cold water to decrease. In an emergency, dial 911. For assistance or to report individuals in need of shelter, please contact 2-1-1.

With an Extreme Heat Warning set to go into effect this week, Delaware health officials are making multiple cooling stations available.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced that its facilities are open as cooling centers on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The spaces are described as a safe, air-conditioned environment where anyone can cool down and stay hydrated.

The locations are:

New Castle County

-Claymont State Service Center, 3301 Green Street, Claymont (302-792-6505)

-DHSS Canby Park Office, 1920 Maryland Avenue, Wilmington (302-434-3340)

-Churchman's Corporate Center, 84 Christiana Road, New Castle (302) 395-6500)

-Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark (302-283-7500)*

Kent County

-Smyrna State Service Center, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna (302-514-4503)

-Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover (302-857-5000)*

Sussex County

-Adams State Service Center, 546 Bedford Street, Georgetown (302-515-3004)*

-Laurel State Service Center, 31039 N. Poplar Street, Laurel (302-875-8402)

-Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Avenue, Seaford (302-628-7000)

*Hudson, Williams, and Adams State Service Centers will be open until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

An Extreme Heat Warning is set to go into effect at noon on Wednesday, July 1 for the entire Philadelphia region.

It is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th.

That includes the city of Philadelphia, counties in suburban Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.

For a full list, visit our alerts page at 6abc.com/Weather.

The National Weather Service says an Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.

Experts offer the following recommendations:

Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day.

If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade.

Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight.

Check on family, neighbors and pets.