Hot town: Weekend heat indexes near 100 in DC area

Heat indexes could climb to near 100 in the D.C. area this weekend through the next week..

A heat emergency is in effect in D.C., as temperatures are predicted to climb into the mid to upper 90s by Saturday afternoon.

A weak cold front passed through the D.C. area Friday, according to Storm Team4 meteorologist Matt Ritter. But it’s only going to drop the humidity a little bit for Saturday.

Overnight lows will only fall into the 70s with a few clouds and muggy conditions.

Saturday will warm into the mid to upper 90s with a “touch less” humidity, Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper said.

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However, the heat index will be around 100 to near 105 degrees Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday the heat index will likely range from 102 to 107 degrees. And Monday will be even more scorching with a heat index near 110.

This sweltering, serious heat looks to continue Tuesday and Wednesday, and the National Weather Service will likely issue a heat advisory for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with heat indexes over 105 degrees during the afternoon hours, Draper said.

Keeping cool

Local utilities are getting the word out about the importance of conserving energy during hot stretches like the next few days.

Peggy Fox, Dominion Energy spokeswoman, said the utility is also ready to meet the anticipated high demand.

“We spend a lot of time and resources throughout the year to inspect, maintain and upgrade our electrical systems,” Fox said. “We’re always out there.”

Fox said the No. 1 way for customers to conserve is raising the thermostat.

“You can save up to 3% on cooling costs for each degree,” Fox said. “So we advise to try the EPA’s recommended 78 degrees when you’re away from home.”

Other ideas include closing the blinds, do any cooking outside, and only keep fans on when you’re in the room.

Cooling centers during the coronavirus

At D.C. cooling sites, people will be offered a mask, which they are required to wear for the entire time they are in the cooling site. Social distancing will be practiced, as people are directed to open seats that are marked with tape to indicate distancing requirements.

Pools and spray parks in the District remain closed, as under ReOpen DC guidelines, communal pools may only start to reopen on the third stage of reopening. D.C. is currently in Phase Two of its reopening. Find a list of cooling sites in D.C. here.

For Maryland and Virginia residents, check with each jurisdiction to see which cooling sites are open:

Maryland

Anne Arundel County – Anne Arundel County are open through Tuesday, in response to prolonged high temperatures and excessive humidity.
Calvert County – The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, will open two cooling centers in the county for residents who need to take refuge from the heat in a safe, cool place, with safe drinking water available.
Charles County – A few locations will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the duration of the heat advisory.
Frederick County
Montgomery County

Virginia