Temperatures expected to soar this week

PITTSBURGH — We’ve had a wild temperature swing across the Pittsburgh area for May. Highs jumped around from the upper 40s to the low 80s.

However, more than half of those days this month were below average. All of that is about to change this week with the mercury expected to rise for several days.

High pressure moving up the east coast will allow a southerly flow of warm air into the Northeast starting Tuesday. That flow will pump in the heat and kick temperatures into the 80s.

Wednesday's forecast high of 88 will come close to the record of 91, which was set back in 1900. Even if the record isn't broken, it still is well above the average high of 71 degrees.

That warm air will also come with humidity. Dew points are expected to get back into the 60s.

When dew points reach the 60s, it starts to feel uncomfortable. Although it won’t be unbearable this week, it will be more noticeable.

The heat and humidity combination will also spark some late-week thunderstorms.

“A cold front approaches the area Thursday,” said Severe Weather Team 11 meteorologist Scott Harbaugh. “Showers and storms will move in northwest of Pittsburgh early and then move into Pittsburgh late in the day.”

A few showers are possible Friday, but much of the day should be dry. The shower and thunderstorm chances come back for the weekend.

Stick with Severe Weather Team 11 for updates to the forecast.

Cox Media Group