BEFORE THE STORMS
Aris Tsouris, of Churchill, watches the swift rapids of the Youghiogheny River on Wednesday in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. Storms are expected to move into the region Thursday, bringing slightly cooler weather.
Temperatures in Western Pennsylvania have been on the warmer side lately, and humidity is certainly no stranger either.
In light of the recent rise in the heat index, Allegheny County Emergency Services, the county health department and the county human services department have provided tips on handling the higher temps.
Among weather- related hazards, extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths nationwide, officials said.
Signs of heat stroke include body temperature that is above 103 degrees taken orally; red, hot and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness, according to county emergency services.
“If you see those symptoms, call 9- 1- 1 or get the person to a hospital immediately,” the county said in a statement. “Cool down with whatever means necessary until medical help arrives.”
“We don’t have a heat advisory right now,” National Weather Service meteorologist Myranda Fullerton said, noting that it’s been more than a year since the weather service issued a heat advisory warning in Pittsburgh. “In order for us to issue an excessive heat advisory, temperatures have to be between 100 to 104 degrees. We’re not quite at our heat advisory yet.” Some relief may be in sight. A slight cold front is expected to surface Thursday, Ms. Fullerton said. The forecast high is 87, but the low is supposed to be a more comfortable 66.
A high of 82 is forecast for Friday, right around the average of 83 for this time of year. The cold front will bring temperatures that drop into the lower 60s by Friday night, weather officials said.
After the cold front, temperatures are expected to be average this weekend.
The weather service still advised people to use caution.
“Take care of yourself, check on your neighbors without air conditioning, never, ever leave children or pets in hot cars, and make sure outdoor animals have water and shelter from the sun,” the weather service said Wednesday.
The county health department advised the following for coping with extreme heat:
• Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
• Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water, and by taking cool showers.
• Spend as much time as possible in cool or air- conditioned buildings.
• Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
• Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you do have to go outside, wear a hat and sunscreen and seek shade.
• Wear light- colored, loose- fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen.
• Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads.
• Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored.
• Avoid heavy activity like sports, renovating and gardening.
• Follow news reports to find out more information during extreme heat.