NWS Warns Of Heat Dangers With Warmest Weather Of Year On The Way
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - Did you know that heat, yes heat, kills more people in the United States than all other natural disasters combined?
That's why with the warmest weather of the year headed for Western Pennsylvania over next few days (Highs in the lower 90s, with Heat Index Values nearing 100) forecasters are doing everything they can to help save lives while helping residents beat the heat.
Meteorologist Lee Hendricks with the National Weather Service in Moon Township tells KDKA Radio you should, "stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun rays (at this latitude) are at their most intense."
If you have to be outside in the elements, you're advised to wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, which will help reflect some of the sun's rays because light colors have a higher albedo. Also, try to take frequent breaks in the shade and drink lots of water.
Hendricks adds the region is not, by the book, in, or will be in a heat wave, because the area needs to have temperatures in the low to mid 90's for four consecutive days or more. Also, it takes an unusually strong area of high pressure, parked off the eastern seaboard, coupled with little to no wind for days on end to get temperatures above 100 degrees in Western Pennsylvania.
The all-time high is 103 degrees, set on July 16, 1988.
However, those that live in inner-city apartment buildings with little or no ventilation are being urged to find an air-conditioned building to avoid the possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Also, people living in the city will experience higher nighttime temperatures because of the Urban Heat Island Effect.
Are We In A Drought?
Hendricks says while it has been dry, the immediate Pittsburgh area is "OK" in terms of drought conditions. However, he adds that "Northwestern and Northcentral Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio are currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions."
He adds crews at the National Weather Service are continually monitoring the dry conditions when evaluating any wildfire risk.
Is Relief In Sight?
Hendricks tells KDKA Radio that even after this weekend's warm weather moves through the area, "Temperatures over the next 30 days are forecast to be slightly above normal, while precipitation is expected to be at, or slightly below normal, which is not expected to help drought conditions."
Protect Those You Love
During any prolonged stretch of above average temperatures, experts advise you to perform frequent checks on elderly neighbors or family members. Also, those who have breathing problems, or have respiratory issues are advised to stay out of the heat.
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