Cooling Centers Extended In Alexandria Amid Heat Advisory

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As extreme heat continues to impact Alexandria, the city is extending cooling centers for two more days. According to the National Weather Service, Alexandria is under a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Wednesday, and sweltering "real feel" temperatures are expected to continue Thursday.

The heat advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Forecasters expect heat index values between 105 and 109 degrees in the region. Severe thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon and evening with damaging winds as the main concern, according to the NWS. Wednesday's high temperature in Alexandria will be near 97 degrees and the low will be around 74.

Thursday has a similar outlook, with continued heat and humidity leading to a heat index near or above 105 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms could occur with isolated damaging wind gusts. The high temperature is expected to be 93 degrees, and the low will be around 73 degrees.

The city cautions that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or cramps — and heat stroke in severe cases. To identify signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps and what to do in those situations, consult this guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The NWS advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, stay in air conditioning, avoid the sun, hold off strenuous activities until the early morning or evening, avoid leaving pets and children in hot cars, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Here are the dates and locations of Alexandria's cooling centers:

• July 22 and 23: Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron St.), 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• July 22 and 23: T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus (3801 W. Braddock Road), 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• July 23: Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The city's cooling centers include screening questions for COVID-19 and a temperature check. City staff and visitors are required to wear face masks at the cooling centers, maintain six feet of distance from others, and wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. The facilities will have enhanced cleaning.