The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning on top of the Heat Advisory that’s in effect until 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Heat index values (the temperature it actually feels like) could get as high as 110 degrees.
OUCH! StormTeam4 is in WEATHER ALERT for dangerously high heat index values AND a risk of severe storms this afternoon. Check out these forecast numbers for heat index at 4pm today! Take the heat seriously and limit outdoor activities as best you can. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/JqIUGfiZ5z
— Chuck Bell (@ChuckBell4) July 27, 2023
The heat index is likely to hit 106 degrees Thursday, 110 degrees Friday, and 108 degrees Saturday, according to NBC4 at 1 p.m.
When the heat combines with the humidity, NoVA could see the risk of severe thunderstorms from about 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., said NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell.
Bell said in his morning forecast that there aren’t necessarily going to be a lot of storms, but those isolated storms could bring heavy rain and high winds.
According to Bell, there is a chance that Thursday’s temperature could break the record of 98 degrees at Dulles International Airport set in 1993.
The last time the region saw a stretch of weather with temperatures reaching 100 degrees, Bell said, occurred in 2016.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
While you’ve heard the same advice every time the area hits a hot stretch, it’s worth repeating.
Too much time outside could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists these as possible signs of the two.
Heat Exhaustion Signs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Fainting
Heat Stroke Signs
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Fast and strong pulse
- Headache
- Confusion
- Possible unconsciousness
What to Do When It’s This Hot
Here are a few options for what you should and should not do in this heat.
- Stay indoors, in air conditioning.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water, eight 8-ounce glasses a day, and more if you’re an athlete.
- Eat foods, like watermelon, that have a high water content.
- Wear light-colored clothing and a hat when outside.
- Minimize your time outdoors, and avoid heavy work there.
- Avoid heavy foods.
- Enjoy some ice cream.
- Check on older people.
- Limit the time your pets spend outdoors and make sure they have water.
- Head to the pool or water park.
- Set up the sprinkler. You’ll like it as much as the kids.
Cooling Centers
In response to the hot weather, Fairfax County has activated its heat plan so that cooling centers are open. The centers have bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant, and body wipes.
Loudoun County’s libraries, community centers, and recreation centers are designated cooling centers.
Alexandria has several locations to cool off, including libraries and recreation centers.
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