Six deaths in Philadelphia blamed on heat

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

Last week’s brutal heat wave is being blamed as a factor in at least six deaths in Philadelphia.

An eight-day heat wave ended Monday as temperatures stayed below the 90-degree mark. The heat-related death toll could continue to rise as additional victims are discovered in the coming days, the Philadelphia health department said.

Nine people have succumbed to the heat so far this year in Philadelphia. Most were found in homes without fans or air conditioning and suffered from health problems that are worsened by hot weather.

Temperatures in Philadelphia broke records on Friday, which reached 103 degrees, and Saturday, which hit the 101 mark, the National Weather Service said.