Hot weather expected to stick around a while longer
More hot weather is on tap for the next day or so in the region.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh issued a heat advisory Wednesday for portions of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, including Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, as temperatures soared into the upper 90s with “real feel” temperatures up to 102 degrees.
And Thursday’s high is expected to reach 94 degrees.
Smoke from wildfires in northern Minnesota and western Ontario, Canada, are also reaching the region, creating hazy skies that could lead to air quality issues and limit high temperatures on Thursday and Friday, according to NWS.
The weather service is urging folks to follow safety precautions like drink water, limit outdoor time, refrain from leaving children or pets in cars, check on elderly neighbors, and watch for signs of heat-related illnesses.
The smoke, too, could be an issue.
“There is a potential risk for air-quality issues from the wildfires, so for those who are sensitive to smoke, there are resources like airnow.gov that will highlight what actions to take, which include limiting your exposure to the outdoors,” said Jason Frazier, a meteorologist for NWS Pittsburgh.
The next chance for significant rainfall will arrive on Friday and continue through the day on Saturday.
From June 1 through July 14, Southwestern Pennsylvania has experienced five days at or above 90 degrees, Frazier said. Last year, the region had seven days at or above 90, and in 2024, there were 12 90-plus degree days.
“We’re off to a warm start to summer this year, and the previous two years also are warm starts,” said Frazier.
The average temperature from June 1 to July 14 is 72.7 degrees, trailing last year’s average temperature of 74.2 and 2024’s average temperature of 74.3.
“We’re hoping to get more seasonable temperatures, and it looks like we will be in the lower 80s at the start of Monday,” said Frazier.