Unprecedented Weather Warning Occurs In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA — In anticipation of potentially record-setting heat, Allegheny County is activating its first Code Red Heat Advisory starting Sunday.

The advisory may be extended as updated forecasts become available.

The activation is based on the National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control’s HeatRisktool, which considers how unusual and prolonged the heat is for this time of year, as well as the potential for serious health impacts.

Cooling centers in the city of Pittsburgh and other municipalities across the county, including many senior centers, will be open to provide relief from the heat. Some locations will offer extended hours to ensure access to cool spaces. When operating as a cooling center, senior centers will welcome residents of any age.

A full list of open cooling centers, activation dates, and updates will be posted at acdhs.org/codered.

“We’ve always responded to heat emergencies, but this year we’re being more systematic,” Erin Dalton, county director of human services, said in a statement.

“Senior centers will now more consistently extend their hours on Code Red days, and we’ll be assessing conditions to potentially expand overnight shelter when extreme heat persists into the night. This pilot approach will help us learn what works best to keep people safe.”

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, friends, and family — especially those who are older or medically vulnerable — and to help spread the word about available cooling resources.

Here are the predicted temperatures for the coming days:

• Saturday: High near 90, low around 71.

• Sunday: High near 95, low around 73.

• Monday: High near 96, low around 74.

• Tuesday: High near 96, low around 74.

• Wednesday: High near 95, low around 73.

• Thursday: High near 92.

County emergency services offers the heat safety tips:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
• Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water, and by taking cool showers.
• Spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings.
• Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
• Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you do have to go outside, wear a hat and sunscreen and seek shade.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen.
• Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads.
• Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored.
• Avoid heavy activity like sports, renovating, and gardening.
• Watch or listen to news reports to find out more information during extreme heat.