Brenna Reott, 3, of Summit Township, cools down from Monday's heat with an ice cream cone at the Butler Farm Show. Brenna attended the event with her father Matthew Reott; brother Rowan, 1; and Renee Young.

The dog days of summer are here, but there are ways humans and pets can remain safe and healthy as the mercury climbs.

Bill Modzelewski, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, said southwest winds high above are transporting warm and muggy air into the region.

“It'll be warm and humid for most of this week with afternoon and evening thundershowers,” Modzelewski said.

He explained that the pop-up thunderstorms inherent in the current weather are due to the combination of high heat and humidity.

“That leads to instability in the afternoon and evening,” Modzelewski said. “The air rises, condenses and produces the thunderstorms.”

He said temperatures will remain in the 80s for about seven days. The high humidity expected today will push the heat index into the 90s.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe online or pick up Tuesday's print copy of the Butler Eagle.