Pittsburgh Suffers Through a Sweltering Summer Heat Wave

Strategic Insights -

Pittsburgh is experiencing a stifling summer heat wave, with humidity levels peaking in June due to a tropical weather pattern parked over the Mid-Atlantic for weeks. The region has been moister than normal this summer, and a lack of cool nights is exacerbating the issue. As a result, residents are feeling the heat, with temperatures in the 90s and dew points in the 70s making it feel like over 100 degrees outside.

Key Takeaways:

  • The average dew point in Pittsburgh has been significantly higher than normal, with a reading of 63 degrees in June, compared to the historical average of 57 degrees.
  • From July 1 to July 22, the average dew point was 66 degrees, which is 5 degrees higher than the historical average for the same period.
  • The heat index has been making it feel like over 100 degrees outside, particularly when temperatures are in the 90s with dew points in the 70s.
  • The high dew points are leading to late afternoon and evening thunderstorms that pop up sporadically, causing flash floods in some areas while others remain dry.
  • Concentrated rain like this, especially in cities and suburbs, leads to increased flash flood risk, despite total summer rainfall being about in line with historical averages for the region.
  • Pittsburgh will be under major heat risk starting Thursday, as a heat dome brings dangerous levels of heat and humidity to the region.
  • Long-lasting heat waves can be particularly serious, with warm evenings offering less of a reprieve and extreme heat having a cumulative effect on health.
  • Weather officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in the air conditioning, avoiding the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors until the heat wave passes.
  • The city and county have opened 12 cooling centers on Thursday and Friday to help residents stay cool.

Statistics:

  • Last month's average dew point was about 63 degrees.
  • The historical average dew point for June is 57 degrees.
  • From July 1 to July 22, the average dew point was 66 degrees.
  • The historical average dew point for the same time period is 61 degrees.
  • Pittsburgh's average temperature in June was 73.1 degrees, the hottest June in at least the last 25 years.
  • The region has experienced several flash flood warnings due to the high dew points.

Sources:

  • National Weather Service (NWS)
  • Axios
  • Matt Brudy, meteorologist at the Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service
  • National Weather Service data
  • Weather.gov (www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=pbz)