Friday was another scorcher for the D.C. area with temperatures reaching 95 degrees, and a humidity level that made it feel closer to 100.
And unfortunately, it was just a taste of the weekend to come.
The D.C. Heat Emergency Plan has been extended through Saturday, opening dozens of cooling centers across the city and a warning against strenuous outdoor activity whenever avoidable. A list of open cooling centers can be found online.
NBC Washington Meteorologist Chuck Bell said July 16 and 17 are statistically the hottest days of the year, with temperatures reaching at least 90 degrees 73% of the time. This year is no different — Friday’s intense heat will continue into Saturday as well.
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Highs on Saturday will be in the low to mid 90s, but it will feel like between 100 to 104 degrees in the afternoon.
Storms are likely after 3 or 4 p.m. on Saturday. Some could be strong to severe with damaging winds, frequent lightning and downpours.
To prepare for the storms, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for four Maryland counties.
MEMA ALERT: Flash Flood Watch for Baltimore, Cecil, Prince Georges and Anne Arundel County in MD until 2:00am Sunday. #mdwx
— Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) (@MDMEMA) July 17, 2021
“Outdoor work would be best done Saturday morning to avoid the high heat and rain chances,” Bell recommended.
The rain then continues into Sunday with temperatures dropping slightly — highs in the mid to upper 80s.
As for next week: “A weak cold front will finally get South of our area by Sunday evening so the first few days of next week will also stay below 90° with a nice, little drop in humidity levels,” Bell said.
Forecast
Friday night: Isolated shower and storms, otherwise mainly clear and muggy. Lows in the 70s.
Saturday: Partly sunny, dangerously hot and humid. Late day showers and storms and some storms will be strong to severe. Highs in the low 90s. Heat Index around 100 to 105.
Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy, not as humid or hot. Few scattered showers or storms possible, mainly east of I-95. Highs in the low to mid 80s.
Monday: Partly sunny and comfortable for July. Slight chance afternoon shower and storm. Highs in the 80s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, hot, but not too humid. Highs: Near 90
