After a few comparatively mild days, the summer heat and humidity will be on full blast over the weekend in Fairfax County.
Like much of the rest of the D.C. region, Fairfax will be under a heat advisory tomorrow (Friday) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the National Weather Service announced this morning.
The advisory warns of heat index values rising up to 109 degrees.
The advisory warns people in the area to stay in air conditioning when possible, to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check in on neighbors and relatives.
“Take extra precautions when outside,” the advisory warned. “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.”
Per the advisory:
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 109 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and northern and northwest
Virginia.* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Fairfax County has activated its heat plan for tomorrow, turning various public facilities, such as libraries and community centers, into cooling centers where visitors can find water, sunscreen, insect repellant, body wipes and other supplies to help deal with the heat.
“Fairfax County also distributes supplies through outreach workers and other partners who go out into the community to check on unsheltered residents,” the county said in an emergency blog post. “They are also available at shelters, drop-in centers, and meal sites.”
The county noted that community members should confirm whether a facility is open through its website, since any HVAC issues may require unplanned closures.
According to a NWS forecast, the incoming high temperatures come from a “heat dome” that’s expected to cover the eastern third of the U.S. Temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s through the first half of next week.
