Forecasters expect a hot welcome to summer next week with temperatures rising to dangerous levels across the Northeastern United States.
Lee Hendricks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Moon, said residents of Western Pennsylvania should brace for high heat starting Sunday, with temperatures expected to climb into the upper 80s.
From there, he is forecasting three consecutive days of 90 degrees or higher — meeting the National Weather Service’s definition of a heat wave.
The previous June record is 98 degrees, recorded in 1988. Next week’s temperatures aren’t expected to break any records, but the heat index Wednesday will peak around 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The hot weather comes just in time for the official start of summer on Thursday, June 20, the summer solstice. That will be what’s described as the longest day of the year, with about 15 hours of sunlight.
The AccuWeather website predicted a high of 95 degrees on Monday and 94 degrees on Tuesday.
Hendricks noted this type of heat is more characteristic of July or August.
“This is a little bit early in the year for us,” he said.
Are you a fan of the seasonable temperatures and the low humidity today? Well, you may not like what's coming next week. We have increasing confidence in ???? weather next Monday and Tuesday! pic.twitter.com/ctSmZJDOsf
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) June 12, 2024
WTAE meteorologist Ashley Dougherty offered a slightly milder prediction, calling for 91-degree weather on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a dip to 86 on Wednesday. She expects high humidity through Wednesday.
She said weather in the low 90s isn’t uncommon for this time of year, with an average of two days that crack 90 degrees each June.
Despite diverging forecasts, Hendricks and Dougherty offered similar safety tips: Avoid peak heat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., stay hydrated and have access to air conditioning.
Some municipalities provide cooling centers during sweltering heat. Pittsburgh typically opens its cooling centers when forecasted highs exceed 90 degrees.
The Humane Society warns pet owners to limit exercise to the early-morning and evening hours during extreme heat, with special caution for short-nosed dogs, which can have difficulty breathing. Owners should be diligent about filling up their pets’ water bowls, too.
Signs of heatstroke in animals include heavy panting, profuse salivation and rapid heartbeat.
Young children, seniors and people with coronary or respiratory conditions should avoid the heat as much as possible, the meteorologists added.
“Everybody going to be excited,” Hendricks said. “But with this kind of heat, there’s going to be a lot of problems with heat exhaustion and the possibility of heatstrokes.”
Dougherty offered a way to beat the heat and relax at the same time.
“Be in the water, if you can,” Dougherty said. “Get one of those baby pools and float.”
Jack Troy is a TribLive reporter. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in January 2024. He can be reached at jtroy@triblive.com.