Western Pennsylvania is in for a sweltering week amid a national heat wave, with temperatures expected to climb into the 90s, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.
Meteorologist Jason Frazier of the weather service said temperatures are expected to increase from Wednesday through Friday into the upper 80s and lower 90s, with Friday seeing the worst of the heat wave in the mid-90s.
Some rain could sweep in Wednesday night, cooling temperatures slightly, and more precipitation may happen over the weekend, he said.
“We are looking for things to be dry for the day Friday, making those temperatures more likely to occur, but we will be looking at potential more showers and thunderstorms late Friday night or heading into the weekend,” Frazier said.
Humidity is also expected to increase, he said, causing the heat index to approach 100 degrees at the end of the week.
“(The heat index) is kind of a way to measure the potential impact, if you’re trying to be outside and do activities, what it actually feels like to our bodies,” Frazier said. “What that higher degree of value means (is) more impact to our bodies, and more risks that come with trying to do outdoor activities.”
One of the main stories late this week will be high levels of heat and humidity. Heat index values of between 100 and 105 will be possible over a large portion of our forecast area on Friday. Stay cool if you can, and know the symptoms of heat exhaustion/heat stroke! pic.twitter.com/OUpTTF9aUs
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 25, 2023
Frazier advised people to limit their outdoor exposure in high heat. He recommends drinking lots of fluids, taking breaks from time outdoors and spending time in the shade or inside.
He also pointed out that cars heat up much faster than the rest of the environment, which is why one should never leave kids or pets in a car during a heat wave.
“A lot of times people forget how hot cars can get during these periods of higher heat,” he said. “It can quickly be 20 or 30 degrees or more warmer than the outside temperature, and that can quickly exasperate and cause potential heat strokes and deaths.”
Dizziness and dehydration can be early precursors to heatstroke, he said. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention early to head off any potential risks.
It's going to be ????️HOT????️ across PA this week. Heat safety tips ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/AOEzvQ6x0v
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) July 26, 2023
The city of Pittsburgh plans to open up cooling centers.
Several Healthy Active Living Centers — ones in Beechview, Brighton Heights, Greenfield, Homewood, Sheraden and the South Side — will serve as cooling centers from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
Six CitiParks recreation centers with air conditioning — Ammon, Brookline, Jefferson, Magee, Paulson and Phillips — also will be open through Friday.
IMPORTANT NEWS!
COOLING CENTERS ACTIVATED for Wednesday, July 26 through Friday, July 28, 2023 with forecasted temps reaching 90 degrees plus.
6 Healthy Active Living Centers will remain OPEN until 7 PM!
All are welcome!
Read Press Release here: https://t.co/mNUFqGcf3y pic.twitter.com/FLtCxAKGxs
— CitiParks: Pittsburgh Parks & Recreation (@CitiParks) July 25, 2023
