WASHINGTON, DC — A dangerous stretch of heat is building across the D.C. area, with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees for several days and night-time relief expected to be limited. The heat index already climbed to 109 degrees in the District Wednesday, and officials are warning residents to prepare for the holiday weekend now.
The Heat Builds Through Thursday
Conditions turned hotter Thursday, when D.C. reached a high of 101 degrees and heat indexes rose above 111 degrees. An extreme heat warning remained in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday as the heat dome sat over the region.
Storm Team4 said Friday could reach around 105 degrees, with only a small chance of late-afternoon storms. Overnight lows from Thursday into Saturday morning were expected to stay stubbornly near 80 degrees, limiting any chance to cool off.
Holiday Weekend Risks
The heat wave is expected to continue into the July 4 holiday with highs near 100 degrees and a heat index close to 108 degrees Saturday. D.C.’s hottest Independence Day on record is 100 degrees, and forecasters said that mark could be tied or broken.
There is also a 40% chance of storms Saturday, which may trim temperatures a bit but could create new problems for people gathered outdoors for fireworks and celebrations.
What Officials Told People To Do
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated an Extreme Heat Alert from Wednesday through Sunday and urged residents and visitors to take the warning seriously. City officials advised people to stay indoors as much as possible, drink water before becoming thirsty and avoid strenuous activity, especially from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials also said not to leave children or pets in vehicles, to check on neighbors and relatives who may be vulnerable, and to call 202-399-7093 or 311 for help reaching a low-barrier shelter or day center.
Cooling Centers And Energy Tips
Free cooling centers, pools and splash pads were open across D.C. during the heat wave, with several recreation centers and indoor pools set to operate as cooling sites on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor pools and spray parks were scheduled to stay open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. those days.
Pepco also urged customers in D.C. and Maryland to protect their cooling systems and lower energy use by closing blinds, using fans, changing air filters and delaying major appliance use until after 9 p.m. The utility said those steps can help ease strain during the hottest part of the week.
Riders Times covers the Pacific Northwest, one story at a time.
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