Extreme heat to bake Butler County
On average, Western Pennsylvania has five days of the year when the temperature rises to at least 90 degrees. The forecast shows that Friday, July 28, could be the second 90-degree day of the year to hit the region.
Weather patterns around this time of the summer typically lead to high heat and humid conditions in the region, Lee Hendricks, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, said Tuesday, July 25.
He said the heat index will reach around 100 degrees Friday afternoon, so people should do their best to stay cool — especially those with cardiac and lung issues.
“Everybody is fairly aware of the extreme heat in the Southwest,” Hendricks said. “That high pressure system that is causing that is gradually building over the Southern states. That's keeping a warm, moist flow into our area.”
The only day other this year when temperatures in Butler County soared to this level was June 3, when a high temperature of 90 degrees was recorded, according to the National Weather Service.
Leading up to Friday, Western Pennsylvania will see high temperatures in the 80s and overnight lows in the mid-60s. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in Butler County reach a high of 89 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hendricks also said there will be a chance of rain several days this week, with humidity being a contributor to the rising temperatures.
The weather service predicts Friday’s peak temperature in Butler County to be 93 degrees, but the rest of the weekend could be lower, Hendricks said of the region.
“This is above normal temperatures,” Hendricks said. “Saturday will cool down into mid-80s with chance of showers. Sunday and Monday we are looking at highs at around 80 degrees.”
Hendricks also issued some warnings about the coming heat, which could have negative health effects on certain people and animals.
“For Friday, when we have that heat in the upper degrees, people with respiratory issues or heart issues should stay indoors,” Hendricks said. “When you put your pets outside, don’t leave them out too long, make sure they have water out there.”
People are encouraged to stay hydrated, to stay out of heat, to try to do things in the morning or evening not in direct sunlight, he said.
The Grapevine Center, which acted as a warming shelter in the winter and saw frequent visitation when temperatures dropped below freezing will also act as a cooling shelter this week.
The center at 140 N. Elm St., Butler, is open as a cooling shelter any time the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, said Scott Winrader, an employee of the Grapevine Center.
He said the shelter will have some refreshments to help cool people off.
“Lately we've been busy, and that is a good thing,” Winrader said. “I hope we are busy that day because it’s going to be a hot one.”
Beth Herold, administrator for the Butler County Area Agency on Aging, said senior citizens could also experience negative health effects from exposure to extreme heat. She said each of the agency’s facilities has air conditioning, where senior citizens can go if they need respite from the heat.
“If they call us, we make sure they have water, get them to the malls or senior centers if possible,” Herold said. “We look at what their supports are, too, what family members are available to help them out.”
