Pittsburgh About To Be Gripped By Dangerous Heat Wave

PITTSBURGH, PA — If you were expecting autumnal temperatures this Labor Day weekend and into next week, forget it. A prolonged heat wave will bring the hottest weather of the summer, and according to State College-based AccuWeather it will bring the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.

The warmup begins Saturday, with an anticipated high of 88. AccuWeather advises that anyone attending a college football game should stay hydrated.

The extended heat wave begins Sunday, with a high of 90. Humidity levels will be on the rise.

Monday will see an expected record-tying high of 95. AccuWeather again advises that anyone who has to be outside should stay hydrated.

The heat and humidity continue on Tuesday, with a high of 94. AccuWeather warns that there is a risk of dehydration and heatstroke for anyone outside for extended periods of time.

The same goes for Wednesday, when the high will be 95. Slightly cooler temperatures will occur Thursday with a high of 90.

Friday should see a return to more seasonable temperatures, with a high of 83.

The heat wave likely will trigger the temporary closure of 40 Pittsburgh Public Schools. The district last school year adopted a new protocol for hot weather for city schools with insufficient air conditioning systems.

Under the protocol, when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to reach or exceed 85 degrees and/or a heat index of 90 degrees or higher, the district will determine if a temporary shift to remote learning or other action is necessary.

The district first utilized the protocol in June.