Extreme Heat Wave Moves Into DC, NoVA This Weekend

WASHINGTON, DC — Temperatures that feel like 100 degrees or more combined with humidity could pose risks to people exposed to these conditions beginning this weekend in Northern Virginia and DC.

The increasing heat and humidity may lead to a heat index near or above 105 degrees Sunday through Wednesday, the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington said. Along the Interstate 95 corridor, NWS predicts a 100 to 105 heat index range.

With the possibility of a heat index above 105 degrees in urban corridors, a NWS heat advisory could be issued as early as Sunday. But as of Friday afternoon, forecasters were uncertain about how high temperatures will rise.

The NWS expects a low risk for a shower or thunderstorm this weekend, but higher chances are possible in the next work week.

The Mid-Atlantic region as a whole is expected to sizzle under the extreme heat wave starting this weekend, according to the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. Forecasters expect temperatures in the 90s and 100s and heat indexes up to 110 degrees. Combined with tropical-like humidity," forecasters say the weather "poses health risks to anyone without access to cooling, especially vulnerable populations such as those with preexisting medical conditions and the elderly."

Prolonged exposure to the high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or cramps — and heat stroke in severe cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says extreme heat can cause heat-related illness when the body's temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down.

Those at higher risk for heat-related illnesses are older adults, very young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases. However, others can be impacted when they do strenuous physical activities during hot weather. The CDC has a list of symptoms to watch for and what to do in situations of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

To stay safe during heat waves, the CDC recommend residents wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing; stay inside with air conditioning when possible; cut down on outdoor exercise and rest in cool, shaded areas; limit outdoor activity to cooler times of the day; wear sunscreen; avoid leaving children and pets in hot cars; stay hydrated; and avoid hot, heavy meals.

If you're spending time outside this weekend, check the National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington office for weather alerts. You can plan ahead by designating a place to cool off or checking if your locality has cooling centers open.

Here is the full NWS forecast for DC in the next week:

Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Sunday: Sunny and hot during the day, with a high near 98. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day with a 30 percent precipitation chance. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. At night, a 30 percent chance of showers and partly cloudy, with a low around 77.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. A chance of showers at night and mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation at night is 30 percent.

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. At night, a 30 percent chance of showers and partly cloudy, with a low around 74.