Officials had first declared the emergency starting 11 a.m. on July 1, scheduled to end at 8 p.m. on July 4, then extended it through 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

What the Heat Health Emergency covered during July 1–July 5

The city’s Department of Public Health said the Heat Health Emergency activated Philadelphia’s emergency heat programs. Those included cooling resources, heat-stress safety guidance, and targeted outreach for residents most at risk from heat.

City guidance during the alert emphasized that the single best protection is air conditioning—either at home, at an accessible indoor location, or at city-supported cooling sites.

Cooling centers and other places to escape the heat

During the emergency, the city said over 50 cooling centers operated with extended hours every day of the Heat Health Emergency. Cooling Center locations and hours could change if the emergency was extended, and residents were directed to find updates via the city’s cooling-center map or by calling 311.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation also promoted additional options, including over 150 spraygrounds and pools during the emergency period.

For older adults, the city said Older Adult Centers had air conditioning and were open on a set emergency schedule: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

PCA Heatline and help for vulnerable residents

While the Heat Health Emergency was in effect, the city said the PCA Heatline operated daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The PCA Heatline number was 215-765-9040, and city health department nurses were available to speak with callers about heat-related medical problems.

Philadelphia also directed support toward residents living outdoors. The city said the Office of Homeless Services declared a Code Red effective 11 a.m. on July 1 (through ongoing shelter and outreach efforts). Homeless street outreach teams provided water and offered shelter and related services for people living or sleeping outside in dangerously high temperatures. Residents were instructed to use the city’s 24/7/365 homeless outreach hotline for help.

What changed when the emergency ended on July 6

In its July 6 update, the Department of Public Health said the city ended the alert—stopping the special emergency heat programs. Specifically, the city said:

• PCA Heatline call coverage tied to the emergency ended.
• Special extended cooling-center hours ended.
• Home visits by special field teams ended.

Even with those emergency programs stopped, the city stressed that heat can still be dangerous. It pointed residents to cooling access that remains available, including Free Library locations with air conditioning and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Older Adult Centers.

Heat-related health outcome context

NBC10 Philadelphia reported that the city’s Department of Public Health said seven heat-related deaths had been recorded in Philadelphia so far that month, with four recorded on Sunday, July 6, and three recorded on Monday, July 7 (with officials also referencing an additional heat-related death earlier in the year).

What to watch next now that the alert is over

With the special emergency programs ended, the most practical next step is to keep using the kind of heat-safety planning the city emphasized throughout the Heat Health Emergency: protect yourself with air conditioning or shade, drink water, and check on older neighbors and loved ones—especially if you or someone you care for is at higher risk.

The city also indicated that cooling-center locations and hours can vary depending on emergency conditions. So if extreme heat returns, residents should be prepared for another Heat Health Emergency update and any refreshed cooling guidance.

Sources

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health — Heat Health Emergency declared (June 30, 2026; for July 1–July 4 window)
• WHYY — Philadelphia heat wave emergency explainer
• NBC10 Philadelphia — Heat-related deaths update (published July 7, 2026)