Excessive Heat Warning In Effect

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued an excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.

Peak heat index values are predicted to be around 105 degrees in the shade and up to 15 degrees higher—that's 120 degrees—in the sun.

Meteorologists encourage Peters residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check in on relatives, neighbors and pets.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside on Thursday. The National Weather Service suggests rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Precautions include wearing light-weight and loose-fitting clothing and drinking plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

The National Weather Service predicts the heat will stick around until next Wednesday.

"High temperatures in the 90s with high dew points will produce a heat index around 100 on Friday," according to the weather statement.

Residents who do not have air conditioning on Thursday are encouraged to go to a cool place. Some options include the , South Hills Village Mall or the  among others. 

Remember, heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.