As the weather gets warmer, remember to stay cool
In Friday’s Butler Eagle, staff reported that the month of May was drier than what we usually expect for this time of year.
The southwestern region of Pennsylvania only got about 1.73 inches of rainfall in May, which is more than 2 inches lower than the average rainfall for the month, and more than 3 inches lower than May 2022.
Lee Hendricks, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, said the drier than usual trend likely is going to continue at least until July.
“Warmer than normal, drier than normal is what it’s looking like,” Hendricks said. “We’re going to have slightly above normal temperatures, and the trend for precipitation is going to change with us averaging in June, July, August slightly above normal.”
Though summer is meant to be the time where we can get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, it’s important to keep your cool.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.
Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two and people with chronic diseases or other illnesses.
The CDC advises everyone to take the following steps to prevent heat-related illness, injury and death during hot weather:
– Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
– Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
– Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen.
– Pace yourself.
– Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
– Never leave children or pets in cars.
– Check the local news for health and safety updates.
Love it or hate it, hotter-than-normal temperatures seem to be headed our way. It’s important to take care of yourselves and your families, as well as those who may not be able to care for themselves.
As long as we’re responsible, we can enjoy some fun in the sun this summer.
— CM
