Another surge in summer heat is expected to bake Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area over the next couple of days.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region that’s scheduled to take effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).
While forecasts currently don’t show temperatures reaching triple digits, as they did during the week of Independence Day, the NWS is predicting highs of 99 degrees tomorrow and Thursday, July 16. Humidity could result in heat index values of up to 105, per the advisory.
Fairfax County typically activates its heat plan for forecasted heat index values of 105 or higher, allowing libraries, community centers and other public facilities to be used as cooling centers.
The county hasn’t yet announced whether that plan will be in effect for tomorrow, but at least one cooling center option is currently off the table. Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) has been closed since last week for HVAC repairs.
After initially expecting the closure to last through today (Tuesday), Fairfax County Public Library says a reopening has to be postponed “due to a delay in receiving the necessary materials.” A new date hasn’t been determined yet, since repairs can’t begin on the facility until the needed parts arrive.
“Visitors seeking library services are encouraged to visit our nearby locations including Herndon Fortnightly Library and Great Falls Library,” an FCPL spokesperson told FFXnow. “These facilities also serve as cooling centers, along with other nearby facilities such as the Reston Human Services Building, the Cathy Hudgins Community Center, the Sully Community Center and the Lake Anne Human Services office.”
Ahead of the scorcher tomorrow, the county’s Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) shared some tips for handling heat during a power outage, advising staying hydrated, unplugging unused electronics, closing blinds and curtains to block out the sun, and limiting the use of ovens and stoves.
“If indoor temperatures climb above 90 degrees and the outage is expected to last several hours, consider leaving for a cooler location rather than waiting it out,” the county said.
More from the National Weather Service:
HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M. EDT WEDNESDAY.
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 105 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
