(Updated at 11:15 a.m.) It will be hot and humid today — so bad that the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Arlington, D.C. and other parts of the area.
The advisory will go into effect later this morning.
Forecasters advise staying inside unless you have to go out, and drinking lots of fluids if you must spend time outside.
From NWS:
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values around 102 to 106, with highest values across east-central Virginia.
* WHERE…In District of Columbia, District of Columbia. In Virginia, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Fairfax, Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties, and Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.
* 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.
As a result of the heat, Arlington Transit is allowing water bottles on board its buses.
“Due to expected extreme high temperatures the next few days, riders are permitted to drink water while riding ART buses,” the transit agency said this morning. “Please use bottles or containers that can be tightly sealed (no open cups), and dispose of any waste in trash or recycling receptacles.”
Storms, some of which may pack damaging winds, are also in the forecast today and expected to reach the area later this afternoon. Most storms are expected to stay south of Arlington, however.