The official start of summer is June 20, but dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 104 degrees have been forecast for June 17 to June 21.
The National Weather Service In Pittsburgh has issued a Heat Advisory from 11:00 a.m. today, June 17, through 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, with extremely high temperatures over 90 degrees forecasted for much of Pennsylvania.
The last time the Pittsburgh area saw temperatures like what’s expected this week was 30 years ago, when it reached 95 degrees or warmer for six straight days, from June 15 to 20, 1994.
As temperatures increase, so does the possibility of heat-related illnesses. When your body isn’t able to properly cool itself, you’re at greater risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat rash, or cramps. For temperatures over 80 degrees, be sure to have drinking water and take frequent water breaks.
Some signs of heat-related illnesses:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/disorientation
- Heaving sweating
- Nausea
- Headache
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness or altered consciousness
- Seizure
Call 911 if you or someone you know experiences signs/symptoms of heat stroke, which include disorientation, irritability, emotional instability, confusion, altered consciousness, coma, or seizure.
Here are tips to prevent heat-related illnesses:
- Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
- Stay cool in an air-conditioned area if possible.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
- Limit outdoor activities and pace yourself. Most heat-related illnesses occur because of overexposure to heat or over-exercising.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburn can slow the skin’s ability to release excess heat.