Wednesday’s weather started off mild, but forecasters warn that extreme heat is on the way. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Heat index values of up to 107 degrees are expected.
NWS has also issued an extreme heat watch for Thursday into Friday, with possible heat index values of up to 112 degrees.
NBC Storm Team4 is predicting 110-degree heat indexes Thursday through Saturday, with severe storms possible on Saturday and Sunday. According to Storm Team4, “our area will experience some of the hottest weather on record. The all-time record of 106° for D.C. has been reached only twice. One in 1918 and once in 1930. D.C. has hit 105° only three times with the last one of those coming in 2012. We won’t get that hot Wednesday, but those numbers are within reach for Thursday, Friday, and maybe even on Saturday for the Fourth of July.”
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
