Children playing in the fountain located at John F. Kennedy Plaza in Center City.
PHILADELPHIA - This week is ringing in Philadelphia’s first heatwave of the 2025 summer season - and it's a whopper.
Throughout the week, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 102 degrees and a low of 78 degrees, which won't be reached until Wednesday night.
Beginning Sunday at noon, the city of Philadelphia declared a Heat Health Emergency, which will be active through Wednesday and potentially longer if the forecast worsens. This declaration means that Philadelphia cooling centers will be open, some for extended hours, and that the city of Philadelphia is required to pause all water shutoffs.
Cooling centers in Philadelphia consist of public libraries, rec centers, and Philadelphia Housing Authority community centers, which can be located on the cooling center map.
How the residents of Philadelphia decide to beat the heat is up to them. So, Philly Daily took the streets of Philadelphia to see what steps people are planning to take for the remainder of the heatwave.
Today, there is no area of shade or a water fountain going unused.
Adirondack chairs located on the lawn at Dilworth Park.
Lisa Kleiner of Philadelphia was sitting in an Adirondack chair on the lawn at Dilworth Park, waiting for her dentist appointment.
“I have to wait, and I can't keep going to Starbucks," said Kleiner. “There is only so much coffee that I can drink. So, I will wait out here and try to stay in the shade and feel the breeze from the fountain.”
Kleiner’s sister came to visit her this weekend. She explained that it was too hot for them to do anything, so instead, they stayed inside with the AC.
In addition to the public resources provided by the city to cool off this week, some residents are looking to use private options.
Residents sitting in the shade at Sister Cities Park.
Susanna, a Philadelphia resident, was sitting under an umbrella watching her son play in the fountain at Sister Cities Park when Philly Daily approached her.
“We belong to the University City Swim Club,” Susanna explained. “So that is where we plan to go to cool off.”
Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School, located in Center City, is hosting a camp this week. Eric Kegler, a counselor at the camp, was standing outside for fresh air but kept the door propped open for a flow of the building's air conditioning.
Kegler explained that he plans to stay hydrated and stay indoors in the air conditioning.
“Wherever, home or [Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School],” he said. “This is going to be rough.”
