NoVA Weather: Timeline For Worst Heat In 2018 As Index Hits 107

WASHINGTON, DC — The heat is not going away with the start of the work week, according to the forecast. You may want to stay in the pool or in the ocean as much as possible. The District and much of Virginia are going to sweat through some of the worst heat we've had all year.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in most of the state since the heat index is supposed to hit 107 degrees. A heat advisory has been issued from noon until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 2, spanning much of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Temperatures will feel like 107 degrees by mid-afternoon, with an actual high temperature around 97 degrees on Monday. The rest of the week will be hot, as well, with highs in the mid- to low 90s through Friday.

"Today will be very hot and humid again. Heat advisories are in effect for much of the region. Please take precautions if you will be out in the heat today," the Weather Service said.

A heat advisory means that heat and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat-related illnesses could occur. To avoid becoming ill, people should reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening; drink water; and wear loose, light-fitting clothing. People working outside should take frequent breaks in shade or air-conditioning.

The National Weather Service gave this timeline of temperatures for Washington, DC, on Monday, July 2; the yellow line is heat index and the red is for the actual temperature:

The heat advisory applies to the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Loudoun areas.

The advisory also includes the cities of Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston,
Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling.

A combination of heat and humidity has also prompted agencies to issue an air quality alert for metro Washington, D.C., from Sunday through Tuesday, July 3. The ozone level in the air will be unhealthy for people with asthma and other respiratory issues, along with young children and the elderly.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Weather officials said that "several days of dangerously hot weather" begin Sunday and may continue into the middle of the week. The northern Virginia region could set record high temperatures the next two day.

"Anyone planning to be outdoors during the midday and afternoon hours over the weekend into early next week should wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and other non-alcoholic beverages," the weather service advised. Older adults and people in poor health are particularly at risk of heat-related illness.

How To Stay Safe In The Heat

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, can be fatal if not treated immediately. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to overheating without a way to cool down.

Symptoms include confusion; slurred speech; seizures; hot, dry skin or extreme sweating; altered mental status; very high body temperature; and loss of consciousness/coma. If someone exhibits signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911.

Heat cramps are muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration.

Heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion are paleness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, fainting and increased temperature.

Symptoms Of Heat-Related Illness:

• Lighten up. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay inside. If air-conditioning is not available, go to the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Here are several ways to stay safe during the heat advisory period:

• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During hot weather, you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.

What, How Much To Drink:
If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

Image by VladisChern/Shutterstock.com; graphics courtesy of the National Weather Service.