Excessive Heat Watch Friday, Near 100 Degrees This Weekend

Fairfax County has notified residents that an excessive heat watch is in effect all day Friday with temperatures in the upper 90's and a heat index of up to 110 degrees.

Today the high temperature will be 94 and sunny. Temperatures will soar Friday and through the weekend. Here is the National Weather Service extended forecast for McLean.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind between 6 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Northwest wind between 3 and 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Fairfax County safety tips for staying safe in oven-like temperatures:

• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol or decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limited caffeinated beverages.

• Stay in an air-conditioned room. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. Consider spending the warmest part of the day ( 1- 5 p.m.)  in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation. 

•  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

• Stay out of the sun and don’t get too much sun. Sunburn reduced your body's ability to dissipate heat. 

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. 

Where to Stay Cool in Town

“There is plenty residents can do to stay cool, such as visiting a local library, taking in a movie, strolling through a shopping center, or visiting a community recreation center or senior center that is air-conditioned,” Merni Fitzgerald, Fairfax County government director of public affairs, wrote in an email to Patch .

“Fairfax County has many air-conditioned facilities where residents can conduct county business, get educated or be entertained. Resting for just two hours in air conditioning can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses,” she said.

• Dolley Madison Library:, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Read, surf the web or attend one of the library's events.
• Grab a cool beverage at a coffee shop or restaurant in town.
• Catch a movie at AMC Tysons Corner, the Reston Town Center Cinemas or the Regal Fairfax Town Center. Tickets are available online.

Tysons Corner Mall is also open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Over the weekend, be sure to check in on those who may be vulnerable to the heat, including children, the elderly and those without air conditioning. Information on Fairfax County's cooling assistance program is available here.