Summer begins dangerously hot as city activates resources to help residents [Video]

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia area is welcoming summer with a hot bang.

“It’s the first day of summer and it gave us a hot one. It’s extreme heat,” stated Charlotte Merrick, Communications Director for Philadelphia Parks and Rec.

With the extreme heat index values, the city’s interim health commissioner declared a Heat Health Emergency, in effect through Sunday. That declaration activates the city’s emergency heat programs with cooling centers and extended hours.

“We have 17 cooling centers around the city. They’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday,” Merrick explained. “That’s a little different for rec centers that aren’t normally open on the weekends.”

People are taking full advantage of the opportunity to stay cool in the oppressive temperatures, like at the East Passyunk Recreation Center, where parents are bringing kids to cool off.

“They are having a wonderful time,” Makedda Byrd, with Colorful Crayons for Autism, said. “what …