Weather

UPDATE: Heat Advisory issued for Thursday, Excessive Heat Watch for Friday

By ARLnow.com
The sun during a heat advisory (file photo)

(Updated at 2:10 p.m.) Get ready for three days of sweltering weather.

Ahead of high temperatures in the upper 90s — perhaps rising into the triple digits — paired with high humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday and a watch for Friday.

From NWS:

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Heat index values around 105 degrees expected.

* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, central and northeast Maryland, southern Maryland, and portions of northern Virginia into the Virginia Piedmont.

* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

This afternoon, meanwhile, NWS issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Friday.

…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…

* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values around 105 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.

* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

The weather service issued the following general advice for beating the heat.

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.

On top of the hot and sticky conditions, scattered storms are possible through the end of the week.