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Stifling heat just isn’t letting up in the D.C. region, as feels-like temperatures are expected to pass 105 degrees Wednesday afternoon, making it the third straight day the area has dealt with triple-digit heat index values. Here’s what you need to know.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning covering the entire D.C. area that’s in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday. According to the weather service, the expected heat index values are up to 110 degrees in some areas.
Meteorologist Erik Taylor from the National Weather Service recommends wearing light and loose clothing, staying hydrated and looking after pets and elderly people.
“It is summer. It’s hot. It’s humid. We have to deal with it at the end of the day, but it’s always good to be prepared for these types of hazards that are out there,” Taylor said.
The lowest temperature of the day Wednesday could flirt with a record.
“The all-time high low temperature for the area is 84 degrees and here I’m forecasting 81,” said 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson. “Factor in the humidity, even for (Wednesday) morning, and that will take that temperature and make it feel like 91 in the morning.”
When factoring in humidity, Johnson said feels-like temperatures reached the 90s on Wednesday morning and temperatures are expected to quickly rise.
Wednesday evening will also carry the risk of storms as a brewing system links up with some of the remnants of what was Hurricane Beryl.
“The moisture from Beryl, we haven’t stopped tracking that. That will pass through the Ohio Valley on north and yes, some of that spin will be interacting with our weather-maker near,” Johnson said.
The highest chance for storm potential is between 6 p.m. and just past midnight.
“Any storms could produce some downpours, maybe some urban flooding and even some damaging winds,” Johnson said.
Thursday doesn’t bring much relief from the heat, but the weather is expected to be closer to average for this time of year. Highs will be between 90 and 95 degrees, and feels-like temperatures are forecast to be even higher.
Things will finally cool down for the end of the week, with forecast highs only between 80 and 85 degrees Friday, and another chance of storms.
In response to the excessive heat warning in Fairfax County, Virginia, all outdoor activities scheduled on Fairfax County public schools’ fields and courts from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday will be canceled.
This includes recess, extracurricular activities, team practices and recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with the school system
The county said that “employees whose job function requires outdoor work (e.g., landscaping, groundskeeping, warehousing, general facilities, etc.) are to complete the remainder of their workday indoors.”
WEDNESDAY: HEAT ADVISORY Noon-8 P.M.
Partly sunny, scattered storms at night
Highs: 93-98
Heat Index: 105-109
Winds: South 10-15, Gusts to 25 mph
Plan for yet another very hot and very humid day with feels-like temperatures back over 105 during the afternoon. A heat advisory has been posted for most of the DMV beginning at noon and extending until 8 p.m. The remnants of Beryl will be moving over the Great Lakes late in the day and will provide the risk for rain and storms by this evening. The greatest risk for severe weather will be well north of the D.C. area; however, a few storms may contain damaging wind gusts. Frequent thunder and lightning is also likely with such high humidity.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
Rain ending, turning partly cloudy
Lows: 68-75
Winds: Southwest to Northwest 5-10 mph
Rain chances taper off after midnight with skies becoming partly cloudy by dawn. Areas of patchy fog are possible.
THURSDAY:
Partly sunny, isolated shower, storm
Highs: 88-94
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
It won’t be quite as hot Thursday with highs, closer to average, in the low 90s. Humidity levels will also drop off a bit (dew points in the upper 60s), so heat index values will range from 95-98 during the afternoon. A stray storm is possible, but most will stay dry.
FRIDAY:
Mostly cloudy, scattered showers, storms
Highs: 82-86
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
We’ll round out the week with cooler highs in the lows 80s, but with increasing humidity, feels-like temperatures will be in the mid-80s. A stalled weather boundary to our east will provide us with clouds and rain chances. Pockets of heavy rain could lead to isolated flooding.
THIS WEEKEND:
High temperatures climb back into the 90s for the upcoming weekend with feels-like temperatures in the upper 90s Saturday and possibly over 100 on Sunday.
