NoVA Weather: 105 Degree Heat, Poor Air Quality Then Storms

WASHINGTON, DC — It will feel like 105 degrees in the DC area Monday and Tuesday with poor air quality causing problems for people with asthma and other medical conditions before thunderstorms bring heavy rain that could cause flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which is in effect until 8 p.m. Monday. The temperature outdoors will feel like 105 degrees when actual temperatures reach the middle 90s and humidity climbs.

The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure. A heat advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible, the weather service says.

The scorching temps will be followed by a chance of thunderstorms Tuesday, with a chance of rain in the forecast almost every day this week. If you haven’t prepared your car for the rigors of summertime driving, now is the time for maintenance to avoid breakdowns, blow outs, and blown engine gaskets, warns AAA Car Care Centers in the region. Washington area residents hold on to their vehicles a long time, and the average vehicle age in the region is 9.27 years, making upkeep a must.

During the extreme heat you should take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, says AccuWeather. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, schedule 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 911.

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Drivers should keep an eye on their temperature gauges during heatwaves. "Extreme temperatures can easily push a vehicle beyond its limits, and excessive heat shortens the longevity of auto batteries,” said James Moore, manager, AAA Car Care Center. “Unfortunately, many area motorists and their vehicles are not ready for the challenges, nor are they prepared for the risks posed by high heat and humidity, or when it is too hot for too long.”

During heatwaves, overheating is the most common cause of automotive breakdowns. AAA Mid-Atlantic roadside rescuers responded to SOS calls from more than a million motorists, 1,124,824 in all, in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia during the summer of 2017. All told, the auto club extricated 561,337 drivers in Virginia, 495,551 motorists in Maryland, and 67,937 motorists in Washington, D.C. proper.

Scorching heat is a vehicle slayer. It has a cumulative impact of vehicle batteries, fans, belts, hoses, radiators, coolant systems, and engine components. Oppressive summer-like heat can kill or zap a car battery 33 percent faster than the cold of winter, says AAA Mid-Atlantic Roadside Assistance in a news release. Extreme heat can accelerate the corrosion of your car’s battery.

Here is the latest forecast for the Washington/Baltimore region:

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 101. South wind 3 to 8 mph.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind around 7 mph.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. North wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday: A chance of showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Graphics by the National Weather Service.