WASHINGTON — The WTOP listening area is in the midst of what will likely be the hottest stretch of the summer.
Just how hot? Highs are on track to be between 92 and 98 degrees through Saturday, with the heat index getting over 100 degrees — and relief might not come until next week.
This kind of severe weather isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. If you’re planning to be outside, make sure you drink extra water and avoid strenuous activity between noon and 7 p.m., during which the region is facing a heat advisory.
Thursday forecast
It will be hazy, humid and dangerously hot. Highs will be between 92 and 98 degrees, but the heat index will be over 100 degrees. There’s a chance of an isolated storm.
Night won’t bring much relief as it’s still going to be miserably muggy with scheduled lows between 71 and 79 degrees.
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- Cool off at DC region’s outdoor pools
- Get the latest forecast from WTOP
Staying safe in hot weather
Any time the heat index is over 100, it can be dangerous to be outside. Experts warn area residents to stay “heat smart”:
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities
- Don’t leave kids or pets in a closed car
- Drink more water
- Drink less caffeine and alcohol
- Check on senior friends and neighbors
- Take frequent breaks
- Get medical help if you stop sweating
- Adults should take corrective action, and children should seek help, if they feel nauseous, their face feels like it’s burning or they have muscle cramps
- Make sure outdoor pets have ample shade and water
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has specific recommendations for the symptoms of heat exhaustion and the even-more-serious heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- Heavy sweating
- Fainting
Under those circumstances, you should move to a cooler location, loosen your clothes, lie down, apply wet, cool cloth to as much of your body as possible and sip water. If you continue to vomit, seek medical help right away.
Heat stroke
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Fast and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
Services
Trash and recycling services will begin collecting at 6 a.m. starting on Wednesday, July 19 until Friday, July 21.
Anytime the temperature is expected to be over 90 degrees in the city, the D.C. Department of Public Works begins trash and recycling collections starting at 6 a.m. to keep their crews safe and avoid any environmental issues.
