Heat Advisory, Air Quality Alert Issued in Northern Virginia

PHOTO: Try to keep cool Monday — it’s going to be a hot one. Patch archive photo by James Cullum

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BY ETHAN LEVINE (Patch Staff)

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory across Northern Virginia beginning at noon Monday afternoon and lasting until 8 p.m. Monday evening.

Heat index values in parts of the region will rise to as high as 109 degrees when temperatures hit the upper 90s this afternoon, warranting the advisory. The high temperature in Arlington is 94 degrees according to Monday’s forecast, and the town’s highest heat index value is 102 degrees at approximately 3 p.m.

“A heat advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected,” stated the NWS. “The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.”

The NWS warns that those without air conditioning or who will be outdoors for long stretches of time could be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Those who need to be outdoors on Monday are advised to limit those activities to the early morning or evening hours to avoid the severe heat.

“Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water,” said the NWS. “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.”

The NWS also issued a code orange air quality alert throughout Northern Virginia for Monday.

“A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups,” said the NWS. “Sensitive groups include children; people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases; and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.”

Patch archive photo by James Cullum