Prepare for more hot, humid weather tomorrow (Friday) as the D.C. area endures its fifth heat wave of 2024.
The National Weather Service has already issued a new Heat Advisory for tomorrow that’s scheduled to take effect from noon to 8 p.m. across the region, including Fairfax County. A similar advisory is now in effect for today (Thursday), prompting the county to activate its heat plan.
According to the NWS, heat index values — which reflect a combination of the air temperature and humdity — could climb up to 108 degrees tomorrow, slightly higher than the 107-degree heat index forecast for today.
As part of its heat plan, the county is providing sunscreen, water bottles and other supplies at designated cooling centers, such as libraries and community centers.
Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all outdoor activities on its fields and courts for today, including recess, extracurricular activities, sports practices and community events. The school system will likely do the same tomorrow as well.
The Town of Vienna announced that it will adjust its trash collection schedule for tomorrow in anticipation of the heat.
“To mitigate potential heat-related health risks to crews, the Town is adjusting the collection schedule to begin at 6 a.m.,” the town said on social media. “Residents should place trash and recycling at the curb by 5 a.m.”
Heat Advisory Reminder: The Town of Vienna will be under a heat advisory tomorrow, Aug. 2. To mitigate potential heat-related health risks to crews, the Town is adjusting the collection schedule to begin at 6 a.m. Residents should place trash and recycling at the curb by 5 a.m. pic.twitter.com/oBYeKz0iBO
— Town of Vienna, VA (@TownofViennaVA) August 1, 2024
Many cities across the U.S. are on track to have their hottest summers ever, and the D.C. area has been no exception.
Based on weather data collected from June 1 through July 30, this has been the warmest summer on record for Dulles International Airport, which has data going back 63 years, and the second-warmest summer for Reagan National Airport, whose records go back 95 years.
Fairfax County has had 15 days with temperatures at or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit out of the 43 days that have passed since summer officially started on June 20, the county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination says, citing NWS data.
The OEEC predicts that the county could have twice as many days with temperatures of 95 or higher by 2035, as greenhouse gas emissions keep building up in the atmosphere, trapping heat and altering the Earth’s climate.
“These record highs are the effect of a shifting climate, a signal from our weather that a change is underway,” the OEEC said in a blog post that includes tips like planting native trees and installing a cool roof on your home for improving the community’s resiliency.
According to NASA, last summer was Earth’s hottest since scientists began keeping global records in 1880.
The heat advisories from the NWS are below.
…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY…* WHAT…For the first Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the second Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon to 8 PM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
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.
