Hot, hot, hot Heat wave could break records in Pa.
The official start of summer is June 20, but dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 104 degrees are expected to arrive in Southwestern Pennsylvania on Monday.
The National Weather Service In Pittsburgh has issued an excessive heat watch, with extreme high temperatures forecast for much of Pennsylvania, along with portions of east central Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia from Monday morning through Friday evening.
NWS is forecasting record high temperatures – for both maximum low temperatures and maximum high temperatures – for several days in a row.
NWS cautioned that heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
“This is NOT typical Pittsburgh summer heat. Please take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated. Heat is the No. 1 killer among all weather-related fatalities in the United States, and by a wide margin,” the NWS tweeted.
The last time the Pittsburgh area saw temperatures like what’s expected this week was 30 years ago, when it reached 95 degrees or warmer for six straight days, from June 15 to 20, 1994. That stands as the longest stretch of 95-plus degree days on record, and the region has a shot at tying or beating that.
According to NWS, for the middle of the week, the city most similar to Pittsburgh climatologically will be El Paso, Texas.
The excessive heat watch will remain in effect from 11 a.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Friday.
From the Midwest to the Northeast, several dozen record afternoon high and record warm morning lows are set to fall.
For the Ohio River River Valley, the heat “potentially could be the most impactful heat wave of the 21st century, according to NWS.
The weather service also offered safety suggestions for pets, including:
Provide ample shade and water.
Limit exercise outside.
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car.
Know signs of heat stroke: excessive panting, glazed eyes, vomiting, and weakness.
Avoid walking your dog on a hot pavement.