Weather

Heat plan activated, outdoor school activities canceled in Fairfax County

Sun glare through tree leaves (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

It’s going to be another hot, humid day in Fairfax County, which will be under Heat Advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today (Friday).

As it did yesterday, Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all outdoor activities on school grounds during the time covered by the advisory, including recess, extracurricular activities and recreational programs by community groups.

Athletic team practices and competitions for high school students “may continue,” however, FCPS said.

“Decisions will be made by athletic trainers who closely monitor conditions to ensure safety,” FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid said in a message to families. “… Teams will communicate any changes directly to families.”

The school system provides guidance to its certified athletic trainers explaining when activities should be modified or postponed based on the weather conditions. It states that outdoor practices, scrimmages and competitions should be delayed if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service’s current forecast, temperatures could climb as high as 97 degrees today in the D.C. region, with humidity potentially pushing heat index values up to a suffocating 105.

Fairfax County has activated its Heat Plan for today, mobilizing staff and outreach workers with nonprofit partners to distribute bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant and other supplies to unsheltered individuals. Supplies can also be found at designated cooling centers, including libraries and community centers.

The county’s guide to staying safe during extreme heat recommends drinking plenty of water, staying inside if possible, and being aware of symptoms of heat-related illness, among other tips.

Prepare for Extreme Heat This Summer

Stay safe on extreme heat days with:
☀️ Heat safety tips
☀️ Our Cooling Center locator
☀️ Information on how to protect vulnerable populations
☀️ Fairfax Alerts

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/tips-information-and-resources-stay-safe-extreme-heat

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— Fairfax County Government (@fairfaxcounty.gov) June 11, 2026 at 4:05 PM

More on today’s heat advisory from the National Weather Service:

Heat Advisory issued June 12 at 12:26AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M. EDT FRIDAY.

* WHAT…Heat index values around 105F expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, and northern Maryland and central, northern, and northwest Virginia.

* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* 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.

Take extra precautions when outside. 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.

About the Author

  • Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.