Northeast heat wave turns deadly as Excessive Heat Warnings continue through the weekend

More than 77 million Americans were under heat alerts to start the weekend as record high temperatures have become deadly in Pennsylvania and altered the 2022 New York City Triathlon.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in place through Sunday night in parts of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, which is forecast to reach a Heat Index of 107 degrees on Saturday.

National Weather Service forecasters say the extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke.

On Saturday, Pennsylvania state officials said a 73-year-old man from Allentown died, in part due to heat exposure.

The excessive heat in Pennsylvania turned deadly early this weekend after officials say a 77-year-old man died due to heat-related causes. An Excessive Heat Warning is in place for parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware through Sunday night. 

Libraries in Philadelphia are open as cooling centers to provide some relief to residents without air conditioning. SEPTA, the metro bus system, has parked buses throughout the city to also act as cooling centers. 

Sunday will also be a scorcher in the City of Brotherly Love with a forecasted high of 101 degrees, compared to the average temperature for this time of year of 88 degrees.

Officials in Boston announced Friday that the 2022 Boston Triathlon will be moved from Sunday, July 24 to Aug. 21 in an effort to try to avoid the heat.

The 2022 New York City Triathlon is still scheduled to continue on Sunday when the Heat Index is forecast to be up to 104 degrees along some parts of the event. However, organizers have decided to shorten parts of the event because of the dangerous heat as well. 

The Triathlon Bike will be reduced from 40k (24.8 miles) to 20K (12.4 miles) and the run reduced from 6.2 miles to 2.5 miles.

“While it is disappointing to reduce the length of both races, our number one priority is to do all we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our competitors, volunteers, medical personnel and spectators,” Triathlon officials said. 

On Saturday, temperatures will be in the 90s, with heat index values ranging from 95 to 100 across northern Connecticut, western and eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. On Sunday, the heat index will cross into triple digits in Boston, New York City and Washington.

Across the Northeast, the overnight hours won’t offer much relief from hot and humid conditions, with nighttime temperatures remaining in the upper 70s through Sunday.

Visitors and residents in the nation’s capital will also want to stay hydrated through the weekend, with high temperatures forecast into the high 90s and a possible 100-degree high on Sunday, about 10 degrees above average.

Heat Advisories are also sweeping across the Midwest and Central U.S., including Wichita, St. Louis, Des Moines and dipping south into Shreveport, Louisiana and Birmingham. Highs once again Friday will be in the mid-90s to low 100s with widespread heat index readings over 100. 

In the Desert Southwest, it’s hot even by their lofty standards. Excessive Heat Warnings have been issued for areas including Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Temperatures for much of the Desert Southwest were expected to reach over 100 degrees on Saturday, including 110 in Las Vegas.

As these temperatures continue to skyrocket, it’s imperative to take the proper precautions to stay cool and safe.

FOX News medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat explains on FOX Weather. 

First off, try to limit the time spent outdoors during excessive heat. The best time to be outdoors would be early in the morning or later in the evening.

If you need to go outdoors during the day, wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing and drink plenty of fluids.

Always “look before you lock” to ensure you have not left any children or pets inside a car. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle with the windows rolled up can be deadly.