Air Quality &/or Heat Alert for most of Western Pennsylvania until Thursday night

[Divernan]

Air quality alert issued as heat continues to build
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The heat is on across the region and the air is becoming increasingly unhealthy. The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert for Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Washington and western Westmoreland and Fayette counties until Thursday night.

The alert warns that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups that include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh also has issued an excessive heat watch from Thursday morning through afternoon for eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and most of Western Pennsylvania. Mostly sunny conditions today will allow the heat to rise across the region, with temperatures expected to reach into the mid 90s under mostly sunny skies. The hot and humid conditions should last for several days.

The excessive heat watch means the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The interior of vehicles can reach lethal temperatures quickly. Do not leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle even for a minute. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and be sure to check on relatives and neighbors.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11201/1161647-100.stm#ixzz1SeRpdyEi