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With area temperatures in the mid 80's, Rhyon Fuqua, 10, of McKeesport, left, and Cedric Mack, 11, of McKeesport, enjoy the cool water in the spray grounds Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Renzie Park.
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WEATHER: Don't fret, slightly cooler temps are on the way after above-average heat

Nate Guidry/Post-Gazette

WEATHER: Don't fret, slightly cooler temps are on the way after above-average heat

Temperatures in Western Pennsylvania have been on the warmer side lately, and humidity is certainly no stranger either. 

In light of the recent rise in the heat index, Allegheny County Emergency Services, the Health Department and Human Services have provided tips this week on handling the warmer temps.

Officials said extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths nationwide among weather-related hazards. County emergency services said signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature that is above 103 degrees taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness.

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“If you see those symptoms, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately,” the county said in a statement released Tuesday. “Cool down with whatever means necessary until medical help arrives.”

Weather Service meteorologist Myranda Fullerton said Wednesday will be hot with temps in the mid-90s — a small leap above an average of 83 degrees this time of year. Wednesday’s heat precedes a slight cold front expected to surface Thursday, she said.

"We don't have a heat advisory right now,” Ms. Fullerton said. “In order for us to issue an excessive heat advisory, temperatures have to be between 100 to 104 degrees. We’re not quite at our heat advisory yet.”

The cold front will feature temperatures that drop into the lower 60s by Friday night, weather officials said. Temps will begin dropping into the 80s on Thursday. 

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The Weather Service, however, still advised people to use caution.

“Take care of yourself, check on your neighbors without air conditioning, never, ever leave children or pets in hot cars, and make sure outdoor animals have water and shelter from the sun,” the Weather Service said Wednesday.

It’s been more than a year since the Weather Service issued a heat advisory warning in Pittsburgh, Ms. Fullerton said. After the cold front, temperatures are expected to be average this weekend.

The county Health Department advised the following for coping with extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.

• Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water, and by taking cool showers.

• Spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings.

• Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.

• Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you do have to go outside, wear a hat and sunscreen and seek shade.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen.

• Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads.

• Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored.

• Avoid heavy activity like sports, renovating, and gardening.

• Watch or listen to news reports to find out more information during extreme heat.

First Published: July 10, 2019, 3:57 p.m.

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With area temperatures in the mid 80's, Rhyon Fuqua, 10, of McKeesport, left, and Cedric Mack, 11, of McKeesport, enjoy the cool water in the spray grounds Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Renzie Park.  (Nate Guidry/Post-Gazette)
Patrick Runyon, 18 years old of Dallas Texas, goes for his second ride down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides on Wednesday in Ohiopyle, Pa.  (Darrell Sapp/Post-Gazette)
People look over the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides Area on Wednesday in Ohiopyle, Pa.  (Darrell Sapp/Post-Gazette)
With area temperatures in the mid 80's, Malcom Howard Jr., 4, of Clairton, enjoy the cool water in the spray grounds Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Renzie Park in McKeesport.  (Nate Guidry/Post-Gazette)
Nate Guidry/Post-Gazette
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