As temperatures climb into the 90s during the first week of September, Allegheny County declared a Code Red heat advisory.
The county warned residents in an Aug. 31 release that the heat could pose health problems, especially for older adults, those with health conditions and anyone outdoors or without air conditioning. In Pittsburgh, cooling centers temporarily opened, and county officials said teams would spend the next few days checking on residents most at risk for complications from the heat.
Here’s what to know.
Where are Pittsburgh’s cooling centers?
Pittsburgh has five temporary cooling centers located at these Healthy Active Living Centers:
- Beechview Healthy Active Living Center, 1555 Broadway Ave., Suite 101
- Greenfield Healthy Active Living Center, 745 Greenfield Ave.
- Homewood Healthy Active Living Center, 7321 Frankstown Ave.
- Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center, 720 Sherwood Ave.
- Southside Healthy Active Living Center,49 S 12th St.
Additional cooling centers in the area can be found at pa211.org.
When are Pittsburgh’s cooling centers open?
Pittsburgh’s cooling centers located at Healthy Active Living Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Thursday, Sept. 3.
How hot will it be in Pittsburgh this week?
Temperatures were expected to climb to the low 90s on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with the heat likely to peak on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The forecasted high on Sept. 1 is 91, the high for Sept. 2 is 93 and the high for Sept. 3 is 91, according to the National Weather Service.
By the weekend, temperatures were expected to drop back into the 80s.
What is a Code Red heat advisory?
Allegheny County’s “Code Red” heat advisory indicates the intensity of the heat expected in Pittsburgh on Sept. 1 through Sept. 3. Pittsburgh, and much of Western Pennsylvania, will see a major heat risk, according to NWS. That means the heat is dangerous for anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration and can be risky for anyone active in the sun or people in heat-sensitive groups.
Heat risk is based on the temperature, the duration of the heat, the time of year, the humidity and the potential for impacts on people’s health.
Staying safe in Pittsburgh’s heat
Allegheny County encouraged residents to check on neighbors, friends and family, particularly older adults or people with health conditions.
The county’s department of human services and partner agencies will check on older adults. Senior centers are are open for regular hours and can provide a place to cool off.
There will also be street outreach teams that will help provide unhoused people with water and other cooling supplies. Unhoused adults can visit Second Avenue Commons, which is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, while families can call the Allegheny Link at 1-866-730-2368.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.