Valley braces for heat wave; cooling centers announced

Several cooling centers will be open in the area.

The Mon Valley will see the sun this weekend, but the bright sky will be accompanied by potentially dangerous temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, portions of east central Ohio, northwest, southwest and western Pennsylvania and the northern panhandle of West Virginia will be under an extreme heat watch from 11 a.m. Sunday until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

A prolonged heat wave is expected, with record-setting afternoon temperatures and little relief overnight, creating hazardous conditions.

According to the NWS, heat index values are projected to range from 100 to 105 degrees.

Temperatures that high can quickly cause heat-related illnesses.

Experts advise drinking plenty of water and staying in an air-conditioned setting if possible.

Those who work or have plans outside should try to stay out of the sun or reschedule.

If possible, check on elderly or disabled friends, family or neighbors and be aware of cooling shelters in your area.

It’s important to not leave young children or pets unattended, especially in vehicles, as the interiors of cars can reach lethal temperatures within a few minutes.

Temperatures are expected to trend downward starting Thursday as the ridge of heat turns southeast.

Sunday is expected to see a high of 100 degrees around noon with a low of 72.

On Monday, temperatures will hit a bit higher near Washington, Pa., sitting at 101 with a low of 75.

Daytime highs are projected to drop slightly to 100 Tuesday before hitting 97 Wednesday and Thursday.

While the hottest temperatures are likely this weekend into the first half of next week, there is a more than 40% chance that extreme heat will continue later into next week across portions of the Ohio Valley.

Several cooling centers will be open around the area:

• Charleroi Fire Department, 328 Fallowfield Ave, Charleroi. Call the fire station at 724-483-7311 to inquire about this service.

• LifeSpan Mon Valley Active Life Center, Walnut Street, Suite 370. McKeesport. Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 412-664-5434 for more information.

• Westmoreland Community Action Sites, Monessen Office, 557 Donner Ave., Monessen.

• NUTRITION, INC., 103 East Main St., West Newton. Contact Lisa Marchetti, Director, at 724-872-4976 or email lmarchetti@thenutritiongroup.biz.

• Monessen Center for Active Adults, 1925 Grand Blvd., Monessen. Contact Marsha Adams, supervisor, at 724-6846105 or email MonessenCtr@thenutritiongroup. biz.

• West Newton Center for Active Adults, 103 East Main St., West Newton. Contact Diane Mesiarik, Supervisor, at 724-872-4976 or email Westnewtonctr@thenutritiongroup.biz.

CitiParks and the City of Pittsburgh will activate six Healthy Active Living Centers as Cooling Centers from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday.

They are:

• Beechview Healthy Active Living Community Center, 1555 Broadway Ave., Pittsburgh.

• Brighton Heights Healthy Active Living Community Center, 3515 McClure Ave., Pittsburgh.

• Greenfield Healthy Active Living Community Center, 745 Greenfield Ave., Pittsburgh.

• Homewood Healthy Active Living Community Center, 7321 Frankstown Rd., Pittsburgh.

• Sheraden Healthy Active Living Community Center, 720 Sherwood Ave., Pittsburgh.

• South Side Healthy Active Living Community Center, 12th & Bingham Streets, Pittsburgh.