Extreme heat is forecast for the weekend, with temperatures in the upper 90s and a heat index up to 107 degrees. The National Weather Service downgraded its forecast Friday afternoon from an excessive heat watch to a heat advisory for Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. The difference is just a couple of degrees in how high the heat index will go.
“Oppressive heat and humidity will overspread the area Saturday and last into Sunday. Little relief from the heat is expected Saturday night with low temperatures in the mid-70s to near 80 for most, which will compound heat stress on those without air conditioning,” the weather service said in its watch, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Expect the humidity to increase over the next couple of days. The heat index, or what it actually feels like, will be over 100 degrees and could cause health issues, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The forecast from NBC4 Washington meteorologist Chuck Bell calls for temperatures to be near 99 degrees Saturday and Sunday and to remain in the 90s until next Friday, when it will dip to 88 degrees.
Bell says Sunday afternoon could bring thunderstorms as the heat and humidity combine. If the temperature reaches 100 degrees at Reagan National Airport this weekend, it will be the first time it has done so in eight years.
The forecast already canceled one big event in Alexandria this weekend. The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival on Saturday has been canceled.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
While you’ve heard the same advice every time the area has extreme heat and 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.
Feature image by Maria Sbytova/stock.adobe.com
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