It’s going to be another hot and humid start to the week in the D.C. area.
An Excessive Heat Warning will take effect across the region, including for Fairfax County, at 11 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. today (Monday). Shortly before 1 p.m., the National Weather Service also upgraded an Excessive Heat Watch for the same time frame tomorrow (Tuesday) to another Excessive Heat Warning.
On both days, the heat index, which measures air temperature combined with humidity, could climb up to 110 degrees. The NWS also warns that there’s “a risk for strong to severe thunderstorms each day.”
⚠️🌡️ A slew of Excessive Heat Warnings & Heat Advisories are in place for Mon 11 AM-8 PM. Additionally, Excessive Heat Watches have been issued for much of the area on Tue 11 AM-8 PM. This does come with a risk for strong to severe thunderstorms each day. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/VeogjYzMww
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 14, 2024
Fairfax County has activated its heat plan for today, ensuring that water, sunscreen and other supplies will be available at designated cooling centers. In addition, Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all outdoor activities on its courts and fields.
According to current NWS forecasts, the heat will likely linger through Wednesday (July 17), but showers and possible thunderstorms that evening could bring temperatures down into the 80s later this week.
The full alerts for today and tomorrow are below.
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT MONDAY…
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT TUESDAY…* WHAT…During the Excessive Heat Warnings, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…For the first Excessive Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Excessive Heat Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Very warm and humid conditions will persist into the overnight hours. Ensure to stay hydrated and find ways to stay cool.
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.
