Heat advisory issued for Thursday as 90-degree streak to continue in Pittsburgh region

Southwestern Pennsylvania will continue to sizzle in the 90s through Friday before finally seeing some relief, according to the National Weather Service.

Both Thursday and Friday could be 91 or hotter, according to NWS meteorologist Myranda Fullerton.

Highs for the region could reach the 90s both days, according to forecasts on the NWS site.

The weather service has issued a heat advisory for parts of southwest and western Pennsylvania from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday. With heat index values up to 102 expected, the hot temperature and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

☀️? Heat Advisory has been issued for tomorrow afternoon. Increased moisture/humidity tomorrow will likely make tomorrow feel hotter than the past several days. Please stay hydrated! pic.twitter.com/tZfJZuMGAY

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 8, 2020

Late Friday afternoon into Saturday morning, forecasts show a cold front coming with rain, lowering temperatures into the mid-80s for the weekend.

“It should drop temperatures closer to the average July temperature of 82 degrees,” Fullerton said.

Before then, the region is expected to see eight consecutive days of 90 degree-plus temperatures. The only other time temperatures reached the 90s this year was June 9. The region typically sees about 7 days of 90 degree temperatures, according to agency records.

“The area only experienced three 90 degree days in 2019, Fullerton noted.

Forecasts show showers are expected to end sometime early Saturday afternoon and the weekend is expected to remain dry through Sunday, according to Fullerton.

The good news is that August in the region usually average one degree cooler than July at 81 degrees, she said.