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Heat, humidity hits Youngstown and plans to stay through the week

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

July 25, 2023 11:17 AM

Temperatures are rising in Youngstown, along with the rest of northeast Ohio and the United States.

But how hot will it get in the Mahoning Valley, and what should you do to stay safe?

How high will temperatures get in Youngstown?

According to the National Weather Service station in Cleveland, temperatures will continue to rise this week, projected to stay around 95 F and possibly hit 100 F by Friday in Youngstown.

By Saturday and Sunday, temperatures will decrease to 80 F in Youngstown.

Using caution during extreme heat days

Staying hydrated and caring for friends, neighbors, and pets is essential in higher temperatures.

Extreme heat days are defined as periods of high heat with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days and humidity.

15 safety tips during hot weather

Here are 15 safety tips to keep in mind during extreme heat:

Limit your time outdoors and stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
Go to a public place like the library, museum, or shopping mall if you don’t have A/C at home.
Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
Roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows.
Use awnings, curtains, or other window coverings to keep the heat out, and check the weather stripping on doors and windows to keep the cool air in.
Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen outdoors.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
Older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and children are at greater risk from these dangerously high temperatures.
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
These include dizziness, a rapid pulse, and an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit), and a full list is online at Ready.gov. If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
Never leave children or pets in cars.
Check updates on local news for health and safety.

Advice from Ohio Edison on how to cool off

️ ️ As temperatures start to rise this week, customers often see higher electric bills as they depend on their cooling systems to beat the heat. Follow these tips to stay cool and help keep bills manageable ️ https://t.co/zae9Sq9PHv pic.twitter.com/8ZoQgtr7rd
— Ohio Edison (@ohioedison) July 24, 2023

Severe storms brewing

As temperatures increase, it’s more and more likely for thunderstorms and rain also to accumulate.

According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, severe storms are possible starting Wednesday.

It will not affect the Mahoning Valley area as much as it will affect northwest regions like Sandusky and Marion, according to a post showing projections by the NWS on Facebook.

The main risk for a few severe thunderstorms is in the northwestern region of Ohio on Wednesday during the evening into overnight hours.

Keep up to date with the National Weather Service and check Mahoning Matters and your local weather station for breaking news.