Are Summers Are Getting Hotter in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia and the greater mid-Atlantic region are embroiled in the first heat wave of the summer. According to a recently released Environmental Protection Agency report, heat waves across the country…
Melting street thermometer against bright summer sun.High temperature.Summer heat.Concept of global warming
Philadelphia and the greater mid-Atlantic region are embroiled in the first heat wave of the summer.
According to a recently released Environmental Protection Agency report, heat waves across the country are occurring more frequently, lasting longer, and are becoming more intense. The Philadelphia Inquirer collected data beginning in 1950 to find out how heat waves have changed over time in Philadelphia.
During the late 1960s, Philadelphia experienced an average of 14.6 days per year with temperatures above 90 degrees. The heat index exceeded 90 degrees for approximately 36.6 days. Philadelphia heat waves lasted, on average, about 2.3 days.
The area now experiences an average of 30.4 days per year with temperatures above 90 degrees and 49 days per year when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees. Heat waves now average about 4.6 days.
The Inquirer followed the methodology in the EPA's Climate Change Indicators in the United States: Fifth Edition report. They also utilized the hourly temperature and dew point readings from the Philadelphia Airport Station (KPHL) and the NOAA WPC heat index calculator to determine daily weather patterns.
