The National Weather Service is predicting highs at or above 90 for the next week in the Philadelphia area, prompting an Excessive Heat Watch.

The alert, issued Wednesday afternoon set to expire at 8 p.m. Sunday, covers Montgomery, Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware and Bucks counties.

The NWS predicts highs of 91, 97, 96 and 96 Thursday through Sunday, followed by 93, 90 and 90 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's Fourth of July holiday.

Aside from a slight chance of rain Thursday night and Friday, virtually no precipitation is in the forecast.

Check back with Patch for any significant forecast changes and tips for coping with the heat.

What are you doing to stay cool? Tell us in the comments.