WASHINGTON – Another couple of hazy, hot, humid days are on tap, with temperatures near 100 and a Code Orange air quality alert.
A Code Orange ozone alert means the air is unhealthy for older people, children and those with respiratory and heart conditions. They should limit their time outdoors, the Metropol itan Council of Governments recommends.
Monday marked the 10th day of 95-degree-plus temperatures this month. Hot weather also affects allergy sufferers. They may find the outdoors particularly cumbersome, especially with moderate levels of pollen and mold in the air.
Additionally, those already moderate pollen levels are kicked up when it’s windy.
Dr. Rachel Schreiber, an allergist with Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, says all those factors can cause problems for allergy sufferers.
But while some may seek an indoor pool for relief, an outdoor pool may be better.
“The chlorine can be a chemical irritant, and that can bother people,” says Schreiber. “Really, the air is trapped inside, so the irritation can be more of a problem with the indoor pools.”
Schrieber also says people who suffer from allergies should remember to pack their medications.
“If you are someone who takes allergy medication, you need to take that medication.”
So what does the forecast look like?
Tuesday: – Hazy sunshine, very hot and humid. Near 100. Westerly winds of 5- to 10 mph. Overnight with a isolated shower. Lows of 74 to 80.
Wednesday: – Partly cloudy, hot and steamy. Upper 90s, with winds out of the Southwest at 5- to 10 mph. Drenching downpours and strong gusty winds are expected late in the day as a cold front approaches.
Thursday: – Scattered thundershowers linger into Thursday, a 50-50 chance of them, with highs in the low 90s.
Friday: – Partly cloudy, less humid. Highs in the mid 80s.
Saturday: – Sunny and mid 80s.
WTOP’s Thomas Warren contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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