Heat causes Pittsburgh Public Schools to change schedule at 37 facilities without air conditioning

Hot and humid weather is expected today and Wednesday, causing some schools in the region to change their schedules.

Air temperatures are expected to be between 95 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit on both days, but combined with humidity, it will feel like 100 degrees, said National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Redmond.

Although temperatures will not break the record highs of 1948 (37 degrees today and 37 degrees on Wednesday), they will be well above the normal maximum of 27 degrees.

“When humidity is high and you’re outside for long periods of time, it can be difficult for your body to cool down,” said Ashley Dougherty, a meteorologist at TribLive news partner WTAE.

Because of the extreme heat forecast, 37 Pittsburgh Public Schools facilities without air conditioning will be open only half-day on Wednesday, the school district announced.

The district said these adjustments are being made to meet the demands of the new school year, including enrolling new students and the ongoing distribution of devices for distance learning.

“The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said Superintendent Wayne Walters. “By adjusting our schedule, we are taking proactive steps to manage the heat and maintain a conducive learning environment that supports our students and families during the transition back to school.”

The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality warning for Tuesday for the Pittsburgh region, including Armstrong, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Air pollution in the region can be harmful to children, the elderly and people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.

Wednesday’s heat could ease somewhat as clouds and storms develop earlier in the day, Redmond said.

A cooling down is expected after Wednesday. Maximum temperatures of around 30 degrees are expected on Thursday, before rising again to 35 degrees on Friday.

There is a risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms every day, with the chance of widespread rain being greater over the weekend and especially on Saturday, Redmond said.

It will be cooler at the weekend, with highs between 27 and 29 degrees.