Extreme heat warning in effect for most of Pittsburgh area through Friday

Most of the Pittsburgh area is under an extreme heat warning that's expected to last until 10 pm. on Friday. 

The extreme heat warning covers most of western Pennsylvania. The higher elevations of Indiana, Westmoreland and Fayette counties are under a heat advisory until 10 p.m. Friday.

Temperatures are anticipated to reach into the 90s. This, coupled with extremely high humidity levels, means the heat index — also known as the "feels like" temperature — will flirt with triple digits.

The NWS said that you can take precautions by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms, and limiting strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours.

Cooling centers have been activated throughout the region and in Allegheny County, a Code Red Heat Advisory has been issued for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 

Heat wave threatens Fourth of July activities 

The opening week of July is always a crucial time on the calendar — from events happening in town to Fourth of July events happening around the area. But mix in higher-than-average temperatures, and it becomes more important to be mindful of heat-related illnesses.

"It never seems to fail," said Dr. Brent Rau, head of Allegheny General Hospital's Emergency Department. "Every year around this time in July, we get this massive heat wave. Fortunately, we've had a lot of time to prepare for it."

Rau said the hospital has cooling materials available, plus water and hydration drinks for EMS providers when they come in to help make them comfortable while they're working in the extreme heat.

Signs of heat-related illnesses

But outside workers like roofers, contractors, or sanitation workers are among those who can be the most susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Rau listed fatigue, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps as the most prevalent symptoms of heat exhaustion.

"Those are more of your mild symptoms that can alert you that something's going on and then progressing up to a heat stroke," he said. "Those are reasons that you need to get out of the situation you're in. Get somewhere and cool down."

If you plan to be outside in the heat, one of the easiest ways to prevent heat-related illness is to hydrate throughout the day, regardless of how long you're out in the sun. That necessity becomes even bigger for those drinking alcohol throughout the day.

If you know you're going to go out and you're going to have some drinks, just before you even go out, drink some water," said Rau. "Just stay hydrated throughout the day because it does not take much to get dehydrated when you've been drinking alcohol, and you factor in the heat."

Tips for staying cool during Anthrocon 

Another factor this time of year is the return of the Anthrocon convention to Pittsburgh, also known as the "furries," where attendees dress up in large, mascot-like suits, which can be made of very thick and hot materials. The Anthrocon Parade & Block Party is scheduled for Saturday, where the heat index is forecasted to reach as high as 98 degrees.

"For the conventions — especially if there's one that involves costumes – trying to keep as much of the costume off as much as you can when you're having to travel from the convention to your hotel, or back and forth would be very helpful," said Rau.

Know the warning signs 

But if you encounter someone who may be overcome by the heat, Rau said it's important to look for the warning signs and know what to do in case of an emergency.

"It's not just being aware of yourself but being aware of your friends and your family that are around you, that are going to be taking part of the festivities that are this week and this weekend," he said.

Heat can cause stress on electric grid

Ahead of the anticipated heat wave, Duquesne Light is urging customers to prepare accordingly as the high temperatures can cause increased stress on the electric grid.

FirstEnergy offered several tips and ways to keep energy use in check during the heat wave like blocking the sun by keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day, grilling outside to keep the heat out of the kitchen, and sealing leaks around windows and doors to keep cool air inside.

Several communities in the Pittsburgh area have adjusted their trash pickup times to help protect the health and safety of workers ahead of the expected extreme heat.