News

Pa. Residents Warned Muggy Weather Could Cause Health Problems

Karl Polacek

07/29/2015

July 29--It will be hot with high humidity for one more day and night, according to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh office in Moon. But older residents and those with heat-related problems should feel relief by Thursday.

Meteorologist Tyler Wixtrom said the high today will reach into the upper 80s after a low in the upper 60s this morning. Thursday morning's low will be in the low 70s.

The hot, muggy weather can cause health problems for residents, especially those with breathing problems.

Bob Topper, New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Company chief and director of Fayette EMS, said there has been a slight increase in ambulance calls as of Tuesday afternoon.

"But on Thursday, all bets are off," said Topper, explaining the opening of the Fayette County Fair usually brings an increase in calls as the elderly go and spend all day in the heat.

"The elderly aren't careful and they get dehydrated," he said.

Connellsville Police Chief James Capitos said there has not been an increase in police calls during the hot weather. He added his officers are often called to assist EMS calls. He did not expect the situation to change today.

But the forecast for the first day of the fair calls for better conditions.

"On Thursday, the weather really breaks," Wixtrom said.

The NWS is calling for highs in the low to mid 80s with a 40 percent chance of showers. The forecast for Friday is even better with a high in the low 80s with low humidity. Saturday will be similar with a slight warm-up beginning on Sunday and Monday.

"But the weather on Sunday and Monday won't be as hot," Wixtrom said.

"It really sounds like perfect fair weather," said Linda Rooker, Fayette County Fair board secretary. She said fair officials don't keep track of how hot weather affects fair attendance. But she said hot weather during the day usually means bigger crowds during the evening.

PennDOT has cooperated by opening all four lanes of Route 119 in the area of the fairgrounds. The $7.246 million project being completed by Golden Triangle Construction Co. began April 1 and involves a concrete overlay. Traffic began using all four lanes on Tuesday.

Hot weather can also take a toll on farm animals and pets.

"It's always a worry like with people," said Walt Bumgarner, Fayette County Penn State Extension educator for livestock. "When it pushes into the 90s with high humidity, it takes a toll."

He said farmers and pet owners should not plan on major work for their animals, but should put it off, together with vaccinations and other procedures. Animals should have access to plenty of water and shade.

Farmers should allow their animals to get into wooded areas where there is plenty of shade if they can, he added. If they are kept in the barn, fans should be used to keep the air moving.

He also said hot weather causes problems for certain animals.

"Dogs and pigs don't sweat like people," said Bumgarner.

He said pigs left out will find shade and dig into the mud to keep cool. He also warned that those owning pigs should be careful not to cool them too fast. Spraying them on their backs with cold water when they are hot can cause heart failure and shock which will kill them. But it is better for animals in hot weather rather than below zero temperatures, he said.

Karl Polacek is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at kpolacek@tribweb.com or 724-626-3538.