JUNE 21, 2024
The sun shines brightly in the blue sky. – Getty Images
Friday was the hottest day of the year so far, and Saturday and Sunday are going to be even hotter as the heat wave continues to roast the DMV.
A heat advisory will be in effect for the D.C. region from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and Storm Team4 expects another advisory to be issued Sunday, when the heat index could rise even higher.
Saturday morning will start out 76 degrees and sticky, with the heat index rising to 100 by lunchtime. The high temperature could reach 98 degrees with a heat index of 105.
Sunday will start about 80 degrees and could again reach 98 — which would be a record for June 23 — with a heat index of 106.
Isolated storms are possible over the weekend — and they could be severe — but most of the area will remain dry. Storm Team4 predicts a 20% chance of rain Saturday, 30% Sunday and 40% Monday.
The region could use the rain. It’s abnormally dry, and some moderate drought conditions are showing up in areas of Virginia.
Cancellations due to extreme heat
Metro trains are running slower above ground because the rails are so hot, and some events have been canceled.
Montgomery County closed some outdoor activities, like the train at Cabin John Park.
Alexandria canceled Saturday’s Portside Festival in Old Town.
Arlington canceled all outdoor parks and recreation programming from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
How to stay cool and safe
Stay hydrated. Drink water, not alcohol or sugary beverages. Take shade breaks and stay in air conditioning as much as you can. Wear lightweight, breathable clothes that protect you from sun exposure.
In response to the intensifying heat wave, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the heat emergency through the weekend and into next week. Residents can find the nearest cooling centers here.
For those experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, free and accessible transportation to a cooling center is available by calling the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311.
If an animal has been left in the heat or trapped in a hot vehicle, the Humane Rescue Alliance can be called at 202-723-5730.
Signs of heat-related illnesses
In hot climates, heat-related illness is a serious risk with serious consequences. Knowing the signs and types of heat-related illnesses can make all the difference.
Heat cramps can sometimes be the first sign of a more serious heat-related illness, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, according to the National Weather Service. Symptoms include painful cramps or spasms and can be treated by applying firm pressure to the muscle. As long as the person isn’t nauseous, they can also be given water.
If symptoms last for over an hour, worsen or the person vomits, seek medical attention.
Heat exhaustion is marked by a variety of symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or tiredness
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fainting
If these symptoms last for over an hour, get worse or vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention, the National Weather Service says.
Move the person to a cooler area, loosen their clothing, offer sips of water and apply cool, wet cloths or have them sit in a cool bath.
Heatstroke is always a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 or get the person to the hospital, said the National Weather Service.
In the meantime, try to reduce their body temperature using cool, wet cloths or a bath. A fan can also be used, but only if the heat index is below 90 degrees, otherwise it could do more harm than good.
The symptoms are not that different than those of heat stroke and can include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Fainting or loss of consciousness.
In order to prevent heat-related illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests spending time in the air-conditioning — either at home or an air-conditioned public place, wearing loose-fitting clothing and taking cool showers and baths. Using the stove less often can also help make it cooler at home.
They also emphasized that outdoor activities should be scheduled with caution. They should be limited to when it’s coolest, such as in the morning and the evening, with opportunities to rest in the shade.
For the safety of both pets and their owners, pets should be kept inside. If walks are necessary, they should be done early in the morning with lots of water breaks.
Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle
It’s also important to be aware of the danger posed by hot vehicles. Within 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can get 19 degrees higher than it is outside, said Storm Team4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith. With temperatures in the 90s, it can be over 100 degrees inside a vehicle.
Cracking a window is not effective in alleviating the heat.
Staying in a hot car can be fatal, with victims often being children or pets.
In 2023, 29 children died of heatstroke in vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
It only takes 15 minutes for an animal to suffer from heat-related illness or death in a vehicle.
Make sure car doors are locked and that keys are out of the reach of children so they aren’t able to get in by themselves. Always lock the doors after leaving the car and check the back seats.
Courtesy: NBC WDC
