Extreme heat grips Delaware Valley with all counties at risk

RIDLEY TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The extreme heat is affecting the Delaware Valley, with every county at risk for heat-related impacts.

Medical professionals are warning everyone to stay safe in the hot weather.

"On a normal day we might do five, today we'll probably do eight," Narberth Ambulance Deputy Chief Patrick Glynn said of likely calls in Ridley Township. "We see a lot more respiratory conditions beause it exacerbates it. A lot more dehydration and, obviously, people passing out."

He says everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, such as feeling dizzy, weak, or tired.

"Because people often operate a little dehydrated and the second that the heat becomes significant, they go out, they do some strenuous activity, they continue to deplete what they have and they run out of the gas in their tank," he said.

That problem is becoming more prevalent.

National data shows there has been an increase in heat-related deaths over the past decade, from just over 3,000 deaths between 2018 and 2020 to nearly 10,000 in the last four years.

Experts say that for vulnerable populations, these symptoms can come on in 20 minutes or less and can be extremely dangerous.

"Check in on them, maybe they go to a public place where it's air conditioned and just get themselves out of the hot weather," said Holmes Fire Company Chief John Hudyma.

The extreme heat is impacting our entire area. Every single county in the Delaware Valley at a major risk of heat-related impacts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"It's bad, it's very hot," said Kayla Stith from Springfield, who planned to go swimming to cool off.

"Bag of ice, trying to cool down for the day. I got my family with me, getting ready to hit the pool over here," said Vincent Thomas from Eastwick. "I'm 62, so it's affecting me and look, I'm sweating already"

With the expected increase in EMS calls, health officials also warn emergency room waits could be longer.