The heat and humidity that have plagued the D.C. area this week are expected to intensify in the next day or two, the National Weather Service says.
The NWS has issued a Heat Advisory for the entire region, including Fairfax County, that will take effect at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) and continue until 8 p.m. A high of 99 degrees is currently forecast, which could combine with humidity to make the day feel as hot as 105 to 107 degrees.
The advisory is less extreme than the Excessive Heat Watch that went out yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, which predicted potentially dangerous temperatures of up to 100 degrees and a heat index of 110 degrees.
“Oppressive heat and humidity will overspread the area Saturday and last into Sunday,” the NWS said, warning that heat-related illnesses could occur. “Little relief from the heat is expected Saturday night with low temperatures in mid 70s to near 80 for most, which will compound heat stress on those without air conditioning.”
In the Mid-Atlantic, the next couple of days are expected to represent the peak of a heat wave that has affected much of the eastern U.S. The heat already prompted Metro to restrict the speeds of its trains, a safety precaution that the transit agency implements when rail temperatures reach 135 degrees.
In response to the Heat Advisory, Fairfax County will activate its heat plan today (Friday), enabling county staff and outreach workers to provide water bottles, sunscreen, hats, Fairfax Connector passes and other supplies at designated cooling centers, meal sites and other locations.
Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all outdoor activities on its courts and fields while the heat advisory is in effect.
Both the county and NWS advise staying indoors if possible, drinking plenty of water and checking in on any community members who may be particularly vulnerable to the heat, such as older adults, people with disabilities and pregnant individuals.
The full Heat Advisory is below.
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT SATURDAY…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH HAS BEEN CANCELED FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…Heat index values up to around 105 to 107 expected, with heat index values generally between 100 and 104 degrees west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern, southern and western Maryland, The District of Columbia, central, northern and northwest Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…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 mid 70s to near 80 for most, which will compound heat stress on those without air conditioning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
