The Philadelphia Health Department has declared a heat health emergency as scorching temperatures from the West Coast make their way to the East Coast. With over 100 million people in 33 states under heat alerts on Monday, health departments are taking proactive measures to prevent heat-related emergencies.

In Philadelphia, where the heat index is expected to reach a scorching 104 degrees on Monday, the city health department has issued a heat health emergency. Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that there will be more than 150 cooling centers open for residents in need, urging them to call 311 to locate the nearest one. Mayor Parker also emphasized the importance of checking on older neighbors to ensure their safety during this heatwave.

Other major cities, including Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, are also under an excessive heat warning, the highest level of alert for heat on Monday. New York City and Boston are under a heat advisory that will extend until Tuesday. Several cities across the East Coast could see record daily highs on Monday, such as Raleigh with a projected 101 degrees (previous record 99), Washington, D.C. with a projected 100 degrees (previous record 100), Baltimore with a projected 101 degrees (previous record 102), Reading, Pennsylvania with a projected 100 degrees (previous record 100), Worcester, Massachusetts with a projected 91 degrees (previous record 92), and Manchester, New Hampshire with a projected 96 degrees (previous record 96).

The intense heat is expected to peak on Tuesday and may persist into Wednesday before a cold front brings relief to the region on Wednesday night and Thursday. As the record-breaking temperatures continue, authorities are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit their time outdoors, and take necessary precautions to stay cool.

With the combined efforts of local health departments and communities looking out for one another, it is hoped that the East Coast can weather this heatwave together.