Why Pittsburgh feels even hotter than it is
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The summer is off to a warm start, but it actually feels like the region has been thrust into an iron furnace.
The big picture: Pittsburgh humidity levels have peaked since June thanks to a tropical weather pattern that has been parked over the Mid-Atlantic for weeks, leading to sticky mornings, intense heat indexes and sporadic but powerful thunderstorms causing dozens of flash flood warnings.
Between the lines: Southwestern Pennsylvania has been moister than normal this summer, said Matt Brudy, meteorologist at the Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service.
- He said the dew point is the best way to measure how comfortable it feels outside, and a lack of cool nights is making the issue worse.
- The higher the dew point, the more humid it is and the more uncomfortable it feels.
By the numbers: Last month's average dew point was about 63 degrees, when the historical average for June is 57 degrees, said Brudy.
- From July 1 to July 22, the average dew point was 66 degrees, while the historical average for the same time period is 61 degrees.
- Combine that with June's average temperature of 73.1 degrees — the hottest Pittsburgh June in at least the last 25 years, according to weather service data — and it has felt downright oppressive.
What they're saying: "It does feel hotter," Brudy said. "When you get temperatures in the 90s with dew points in the 70s, it is going to feel like it is over 100 degrees outside."
State of play: More humidity means rain, but it isn't falling evenly across the region, said Brudy.
- The high dew points are leading to late afternoon and evening thunderstorms that pop up sporadically, so some spots get a deluge while others stay perfectly dry.
- Concentrated rain like this — especially in cities and suburbs — means more flash floods, even though total summer rainfall is about in line with historical averages for the region.
What's next: Pittsburgh will be under major heat risk starting Thursday, as a heat dome brings dangerous levels of heat and humidity to much of the country east of the Rockies this week.
Threat level: Long-lasting heat waves can be particularly serious, with warm evenings offering less of a reprieve and extreme heat having a cumulative effect on our health.
Bottom line: Weather officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in the air conditioning, avoiding the sun and checking up on relatives and neighbors until things cool down.
- The city and county will open 12 cooling centers on Thursday and Friday.