A wild weather week in store for Western Pennsylvania

Western Pennsylvania residents won’t need to go to Kennywood to feel like they’re on a roller coaster this week: A weather roller coaster, that is.

The week begins with blistering heat. The average for this time of year is 82 degrees, but we could be hitting at least 90 degrees Monday and Tuesday. Humidity will add to the discomfort for people and pets outdoors.

Today will be another hot one. Make sure to practice heat safety. pic.twitter.com/bVwMlGj0d8

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) June 28, 2021

Then, a cool change is coming.

The National Weather Service in Moon is calling for storms by the middle of the week and then a big cooldown.

“We’re going to see a cold front impact the area by the middle of the week,” said NWS meteorologist David Shallenberger. “We’re getting kind of a pinching point over the area as this cold front is coming in. So, we’re going to see more moisture being funneled up into the area.”

Shallenberger said the area could see strong storms with high winds later this week.

“We’re probably going to see a few gully washers by Wednesday and Thursday,” he said, adding that Wednesday will be the beginning of several days of rain for the region.

“The models indicate we’re going to have a system get blocked right over the area, and we could end up seeing more thunderstorms through the holiday weekend. Some models have it moving on by the Fourth and we’ll have some clearer weather,” Shallenberger said.

That would certainly be perfect for fireworks displays. And the wet weather will bring cooler temperatures hovering between the low 80s to upper 70s.

“That’s quite a change and really a change to near-normal conditions for us,” Shallenberger said.