When temperatures reach the 90-degree plateau today, it will mark the seventh time since June that the area has experienced heat 90 degrees or better.
Such warm temperatures create numerous problems for people, ranging from health-related issues to trying to stay comfortable in oppressive conditions.
Officials from Monongahela Valley Hospital in Carroll Township and Allegheny Power said that despite the recent heat spell, neither has experienced any problems.
"We haven't seen anyone suffering from heat problems the last two days," said Dr. Brenda Walther, of the MVH emergency department. "That is kind of surprising, but that doesn't mean we won't get any today. People must be staying indoors."
Allegheny Power spokeswoman Janice Lantz said the company saw an increase in power usage from customers on the warmer days, including Monday, when the temperature eclipsed 90 degrees.
However, she said the extra draw did not create any issues for the utility company.
"Certainly, we saw an increase in electricity usage and we'll probably see another one today," Lantz said.
"However, Allegheny Power is not experiencing any problems because of the heat. We're not predicting any problems, either."
While no heat-related problems have been reported in the area, both Walther and Lantz offered numerous tips for people to both beat the heat and stay safe in warm conditions.
Walther urged people who must be outside for extended periods of time to drink an abundance of liquids, which does not include alcoholic beverages or sugar-based drinks. She also advised people who must work outside to take extended breaks inside air conditioned areas and to use sun screen.
"Most people have air conditioning, but many seniors do not," she said. "If you know any people who do not have air conditioning where they live, it would be smart to periodically check on them to make sure they are OK during the heat."
Lantz said people can do several things to keep their homes cooler inside and keep electrical usage down.
Among the tips she offered are:
n Setting the cooling thermostat as high as comfort allows.
n Turning off all lights and electrical devices not being used because they all generate heat.
n Keeping blinds, shades and curtains closed on windows on the sunny side of the house to diminish the effects of the heat inside.
n People doing laundry should do so either early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are at their lowest.
Another area of concern during the heat is care of pets.
Animals may become irritated in oppressive heat conditions. Experts advise pet owners to give their pets more water to drink and, whenever possible, keep them indoors during periods of daylight.
Also, pet owners are advised to cut down the lengths of exercise for their animals in the sun.
