Its official: Arlington and the D.C. area will be under Extreme Heat Warnings over the next couple of days.
The National Weather Service just upgraded the earlier watch to a warning, in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values above 110 are expected, posing a risk to people and pets spending significant time outdoors — or in hot buildings or vehicles.
More from NWS:
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 1:32PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
…EXTREME HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
…EXTREME HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY…* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the first Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. 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.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
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.
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.
Already, today’s (Wednesday) Heat Advisory has prompted changes to outdoor Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation programming, including summer camps. More impacts are expected Thursday. (Friday is a federal holiday: the observance of Independence Day.)
From DPR:
On Wed., July 1, all Parks & Recreation and partner outdoor programming (including league practices and games) at County outdoor facilities between 1- 7 p.m. w
ill be moved to indoor locations or canceled due to a Heat Advisory. Impacts to programming at Arlington County community centers, parks, or facilities will be communicated directly to program participants via email. Should the weather change, programmatic updates will also be communicated directly to participants. Summer Camp Programming: In the event of summer camp relocations, early closings, or cancellations, program participants will be notified directly via email and phone call or text.
Consider limiting time outside and beat the heat with these hot weather tips for keeping cool.
Visit our libraries or community centers for free places to spend time indoors.
