Heat prompts Pittsburgh Public Schools to change schedule at 37 facilities without AC

Hot and muggy weather is expected today and Wednesday, prompting some schools in the area to change their schedules.

While air temperatures are expected to be in the low-to-mid 90s both days, when combined with the humidity it will feel close to 100 degrees, National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Redmond said.

Temperatures won’t break the records set in 1948, 99 today and 98 for Wednesday, but are well-above the normal highs of 81 degrees.

“When the humidity is high and you’re outside for extended periods of time, it can be hard for your body to cool off,” said Ashley Dougherty, a meteorologist at TribLive news partner WTAE.

Because of the forecasted extreme heat, 37 Pittsburgh Public Schools facilities without air conditioning will operate on a half-day schedule Wednesday, the district announced.

The district said it is making the adjustment to address the demands of the new school year, including new student enrollments and the ongoing distribution of devices for remote learning.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Superintendent Wayne Walters said. “By adjusting our schedule, we’re taking proactive steps to manage the heat and maintain a conducive learning environment that supports our students and families during the back-to-school transition.”

The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert for Tuesday. It covers the greater Pittsburgh region including Armstrong, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Air pollution concentrations within the area may become unhealthy for children, the elderly and people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.

In Pittsburgh, CitiParks will have cooling centers at six Healthy Active Living Centers today and Wednesday. They will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The centers are in Beechview, 1555 Broadway Ave.; Brighton Heights, 3515 McClure Ave.; Greenfield, 745 Greenfield Ave.; Homewood, 7321 Frankstown Road; Sheraden, 720 Sherwood Ave.; and South Side, 12th and Bingham streets.

The heat on Wednesday could be lessened a bit if clouds and storms develop earlier in the day, Redmond said.

A cool down is expected after Wednesday, with highs in the mid-80s on Thursday before warming back up to the lower 90s on Friday.

There will be a risk of afternoon showers and storms each day, with a better chance of widespread rain over the weekend, especially on Saturday, Redmond said.

The weekend will see cooler temperatures, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s.