Steve Frank gives his son Grady, 3, a piggyback ride at the Cranberry Community Waterpark Thursday.

The dog days of summer have come to Butler County, with temperatures rising to 90 degrees Monday, and the heat index, or perception of temperature accounting for humidity, reaching 96 degrees, according to National Weather Service data.

“This is very typical for the summertime,” said NWS meteorologist Pat Herald. NWS Pittsburgh predicts that hot weather will persist through midweek until a midwestern cold front comes in around Wednesday.

Chances for thunderstorms and showers increase as the week goes on, and Herald said that some could potentially bring some wind damage. Butler will see a high of 87 on Tuesday with some chance of thunderstorms and showers, and a high chance of precipitation on Wednesday with a high of 88. Temperatures may retreat somewhat to 75 by Thursday, but between then and now, Butler residents will need to beat the heat.

Butler County Department of Emergency Services Director Steve Bicehouse said that Buter County does not currently have plans to open cooling centers unless conditions change or there is a major power outage. He advised residents who can drive to visit restaurants and stores with air conditioning if they need to cool down, and that anyone having difficulty getting someplace with air conditioning could call Butler County Human Services at 211.

“Right now, you should drink lots of water, stay out of the heat of the sun, and don't do outdoor activities that could be strenuous, if possible,” Bicehouse said.

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