Pittsburgh, PA – A record-setting heat wave is expected to grip western Pennsylvania beginning Sunday, June 22, with high temperatures pushing into the upper 90s and heat index values exceeding 105°F. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch from 11 a.m. Sunday through 8 p.m. Wednesday for much of the state, including Allegheny County and metro Pittsburgh.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, this prolonged heat event will bring “little to no overnight relief,” especially in urban areas along Route 376 and Route 51, where heat can linger due to pavement and infrastructure. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and check in on vulnerable neighbors. Cooling centers may open across Allegheny and surrounding counties if heat indices hit projected peaks.
The heat builds through the weekend, with Saturday staying mostly sunny and reaching 89°F. By Sunday, highs surge into the mid-90s. That trend continues through Wednesday, with Monday and Tuesday each expected to hit 95°F under mostly clear skies. No major storms are forecast during this period, but Wednesday night and Thursday bring a chance of thunderstorms and slight cooling.
Children and pets should never be left in vehicles, even briefly. NWS warns interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.
More advisories may follow as heat risks evolve.
FIVE-DAY FORECAST: June 20–24
- Friday: Partly sunny, high 83°F. Winds west 9 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 89°F. Light southwest wind.
- Sunday: Sunny and hot, high 94°F. Heat index near 100°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 95°F. Lows in the 70s.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high 95°F. Lows around 73°F.
Next update expected if alerts are upgraded or extended.
