This year’s Independence Day is shaping up to be a hot one in the D.C. region.
Fairfax County has activated its heat plan for tomorrow (Thursday) in response to a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service, which predicts that warm temperatures and humidity will lead to a heat index of 100 to 105.
However, because it’s a holiday, many of the county government facilities usually designated as cooling centers won’t be available, the county said in a post on its emergency information blog.
All Fairfax County Public Library branches will be closed, along with all Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) facilities, including community centers and human services offices. Community members can instead visit the rec centers, which will be open until 4 p.m., and the county’s three emergency shelters in Fairfax, Reston and Seven Corners will operate at day and night overflow capacity.
“These cooling centers will also have supplies available including bottled water, sunscreen and insect repellant,” the county said.
[7/03 at 3:50 PM] ⚠️The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for our area starting tomorrow July 4th from 12 noon until 8pm. Heat index values around 100 to 105 expected. Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor strenuous activities during this time. pic.twitter.com/4HPyABVwgE
— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) July 3, 2024
As part of the heat plan, the county will also work with outreach workers and other partners to check on unhoused individuals and distribute supplies at shelters, drop-in centers and meal sites.
During hot weather, the county advises staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities and taking frequent breaks, wearing light, loose-fitting clothes, and checking on elderly individuals and others who might be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
The full Heat Advisory from the NWS, which will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m. tomorrow, is below.
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values around 100 to 105 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia, and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From noon to 8 PM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… The combination of air temperatures in the 90s and high humidity will result in the potential for increased heat-related illnesses, especially those partaking in outdoor Independence Day activities.
