A sizzling Fourth of July
Dangerous heat wave leading up to holiday weekend
Multiple consecutive days with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s and “feels like” temperatures around 100 degrees are forecast for Southwestern Pennsylvania this week, as residents prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, overnight low temperatures in the 70s will compound the risk for heat stress during the stretch.
National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Kienzle said the oppressive heat and humidity is expected to extend into the Fourth of July holiday.
“The heat is going to build on Tuesday, and the latter half of the work week we are looking at three days of highs in the 90s. It looks like a lot of our dew points in the week are going to be in the 70s, and nighttime temperatures look to be in the lower 70s, and that can be a problem because that heat stress from those three factors takes a toll on the body,” said Kienzle.
In Greene County, temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s on Wednesday and top 97 degrees on Thursday, and remain in the mid-90s on Friday. The forecast is similar in Washington and Fayette counties, where high temperatures likely will reach 95 degrees and above during that three-day span.
Kienzle said isolated thunderstorms can’t be ruled out, and that they could be “strong and severe,” including on July 4.
“We don’t have a clear picture of the weekend yet and the forecast is cautious right now, but there are signals that it possibly could not be great on the Fourth with threats of heat and thunderstorms,” he said.
Dew points – a measure of humidity content in the air – into the 70s will make it feel “muggy and gross,” Kienzle said.
Once dew points exceed 70 degrees, humidity feels uncomfortable.
Heat is the deadliest type of weather in the United States, killing more people than any other event, including tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning, each year, according to NWS. Climate change is making it more frequent and severe.
Little relief is expected at night, as low temperatures aren’t expected to fall below the lower 70s in the region.
NWS is urging people to stay hydrated, and to check on friends, family, neighbors and pets to make sure they have water and access to cool spaces.
Older adults, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, homeless people, and those without air conditioning are most vulnerable, NWS said.
NWS recommends drinking plenty of water daily, and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
It is also recommends using air conditioning, taking cool showers, and staying in shaded or cool spaces to beat the heat.
It also recommends postponing or limiting outdoor activities. If your are working outside, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. And if air conditioning isn’t available, go to public places like libraries or malls.
And, never leave children or pets in a vehicle. Provide pets with fresh water and shade.
Watch for signs of heat illness – heat cramps (muscle pain and spasms), heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, nausea), or heat stroke (confusion, loss of consciousness) — and seek medical help immediately.