Things are about to heat up in the DMV. Forecasters are warning that a high-pressure heat dome could potentially mean record-breaking high temperatures for several days in a row.
According to Capital Weather, “computer models continue to pump out numbers that could threaten all-time high temperature records in the DC area and across the Mid-Atlantic by late this week.” One particular model forecasts high temperatures of 101, 104, 106, and 104 degrees for Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4, respectively.
With the forecasted heat wave, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, with heat index values of up to 106 degrees expected. It also issued an extreme heat watch for Thursday into Friday, with possible heat index values of up to 112 degrees.
Keeping Safe in the Heat
NWS advises residents to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
During a heat advisory, Dr. Debra Lee, the chief medical officer at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, also advises people to stay inside as much as possible. She says to be careful about wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.
If outside, it’s critical to take water breaks every hour at least, setting an alarm on your watch or phone if necessary. “Your body is made up of more than 70 percent water,” Lee says. “Becoming dehydrated puts you at much higher risk of heat exhaustion.”
Feature image, lucky-photo/stock.adobe.com
