Will Pittsburgh see extreme heat? Temperatures rise before July 4

• Pittsburgh is experiencing relatively normal temperatures while other parts of the U.S. and Europe face heat waves.
• Despite moderate temperatures, high humidity in Pittsburgh can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
• Temperatures for the last weekend in June are expected to be in the low to mid-80s.

As a deadly heat wave sweeps across parts of Europe with record-breaking temperatures, how are things looking stateside in Pittsburgh?

Much of the United States is expected to record temperatures above the historical averages, according to forecasters, with parts of the West and Southern Plains already seeing above-average temperatures.

In Pittsburgh, where June and July can see maximum temperatures in the low to mid 90s, with averages in the 70s and 80s, temperatures are relatively normal for the end of June, with the heat expected to crank up ahead of Independence Day. But humidity can also play a roll in how hot an area feels — and it can make you more prone to suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Here's what to expect from Pittsburgh's weather ahead of July 4.

Will Pittsburgh see excessive heat on July 4?

NWS didn't have a forecast yet for July 4, but the week leading up to Independence Day was expected to bring rising temperatures and a risk of extreme heat. For America's 250th birthday, The Weather Channel predicted a high just shy of 90 degrees.

That could lead to extreme heat in the area at the start of the month.

On Wednesday, July 1, Pittsburgh is expected to see a significant to extreme heat risk NWS reported. Significant risks mean heat exhaustion or heat stroke is likely with prolonged outdoor exposure, while extreme risks indicate that the conditions are dangerously hot and could rapidly result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

NWS calculates excessive heat hazards based largely on highest maximum temperatures and the effects of humidity in an area. Temperatures above 99 can become hazardous, as heat can start to build in the body. Higher levels of humidity can stop sweat from evaporating efficiently and cause a person to overheat more quickly than they would in an area with lower humidity.

Here's a look at the weather expected in Pittsburgh next week, according to The Weather Channel:

• Monday, June 29: High of 90, low of 72; 15% chance of rain
• Tuesday, June 30: High of 95, low of 76; 20% chance of rain
• Wednesday, July 1: High of 96, low of 75; 20% chance of rain
• Thursday, July 2: High of 96, low of 74; 24% chance of rain
• Friday, July 3: High of 93, low of 71; 44% chance of rain
• Saturday, July 4: High of 89, low of 68; 41% chance of rain
• Sunday, July 5: High of 86, low of 67; 24% chance of rain

How hot will it be in Pittsburgh this weekend?

The maximum temperature on Wednesday, June 24 hit 77, but it's likely to increase in the coming days.

Pittsburgh's temperatures were expected to be in the low to mid-80s heading into the weekend:

• Thursday, June 25: High of 83, low of 63
• Friday, June 26: High of 82, low of 65
• Saturday, June 27: High of 81, low of 65
• Sunday, June 28: High of 86, low of 68

The humidity could also make the heat harder to tolerate, with a higher humidity playing a part in how NWS calculates the risk for extreme heat. From Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25 morning, Pittsburgh's dew point — or the temperature the air must be cooled to in order to reach a relative humidity of 100% — has ranged from the upper 40s to just shy of 70, according to The Pennsylvania State Climatologist. A higher dew point indicated a greater amount of moisture in the air.

Will it rain in Pittsburgh this weekend?

There's a high probability that Pittsburgh will see rainfall over the weekend based on NWS' forecast.

Pittsburgh's chance of rain during the afternoon of Thursday, June 25, was estimated at 30%, with showers most likely after 4 p.m. Into the evening, the chance of rain was set to jump to 60%, with a thunderstorm potentially sweeping through Pittsburgh before 8 p.m., followed by additional rain between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.

On Friday, June 26, the estimated risk of rain is 30% during the day, with the possibility of rain increasing throughout the afternoon. By evening, the risk of rain jumps to 90%, with the potential for thunderstorms.

Rain chances are higher during the day on Saturday, June 27, with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. marked at 80%. The potential for rain will continue through the evening at 60%.

Sunday, June 28 is expected to be partly sunny, while the evening will see partly cloudy conditions.

Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at [email protected]. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.