Wild weather Torrential rains to be replaced with scorching heat
So far, June has been wet in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with excessive rainfall leading to flooding and saturated ground.
But that is about to change.
Summer officially begins on Friday, and the first 90-degree temperatures of the year are in the forecast, with a chance for a heat wave – three or more consecutive days with temperatures of 90 degrees or higher – starting Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.
A high pressure system over the East Coast, coupled with humid air from the Atlantic, will produce 90-plus-degree heat that will start Sunday and last through much of next week. There is a possibility temperatures will reach the mid- to upper 90s next week.
The nights will only drop down into the 70s, meaning there won’t be much relief from the heat.
“We just have a really strong ridge that’s going to build over the East Coast, and long-range, the confidence in the warmup is quite high at this point,” said NWS Pittsburgh meteorologist Matt Brudy. “We’re going to have dangerously high heat for four or five days.”
Parts of Washington, Greene and Fayette counties are expected to see temperatures climb to between 93 and 97 degrees, along with high dewpoints in the 70s that will make it feel like 100 to 105 degrees.
NWS strongly recommends precautions for vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions.
The oppressive heat and humidity could lead to heat exhaustion, even if people are outside for just a short period of time.
Brudy cautioned people to limit outdoor activities, wear light clothing, stay hydrated, and seek cool environments during peak heat hours.
The oppressive heat and humidity are ideal conditions for heat exhaustion, even if people are outside for just a short period of time.
Brudy said it’s best to go out in the morning hours, stay in the shade, and limit strenuous activities. Don’t leave pets outside during hot weather.
Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated.
People who work outdoors should drink plenty of fluids and try to take breaks in the shade.
The NWS said heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year.
According to data from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related deaths increased by about 16.8% per year from 2016 to 2023.