It’s going to be a scorching July 4 in the D.C. area.
Arlington County, along with D.C. and other surrounding areas, are under a Heat Advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday. Potentially dangerous heat is expected amid Independence Day festivities — and there’s a possibility of storms throughout the day as well.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
346 PM EDT Wed Jul 3 2024
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values around 100 to 105 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia, and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From noon to 8 PM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… The combination of air temperatures in the 90s and high humidity will result in the potential for increased heat-related illnesses, especially those partaking in outdoor Independence Day activities.
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.
One last day of warm, less humid conditions. Unsettled weather returns for the 4th of July, & continues through the weekend. Showers & thunderstorms develop each afternoon. Some storms could be strong to severe Thursday & Saturday. Remain weather aware! #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/OpY0qvZCpV
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 3, 2024
An air quality alert, meanwhile, has also been issued for July 4.
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR THURSDAY JULY 4 2024…
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Thursday for Northern Virginia.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
