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Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. saw quite a few triple-digit temperatures Saturday as a heat wave rages throughout the Northeast this weekend. Here’s what you need to know.
The National Weather Service has noted two record-setting highs as of Saturday afternoon, with temperatures at all three local airports reaching 100 degrees or more— the first time its gotten that high in 12 years.
As of 4:24pm, #DCA hit 100º F, 1 degree shy of the record for the date (101º F set in 1988). This is the first time it’s hit 100º F in June since 2012. #DCwx #VAwx #heat
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 22, 2024
Dulles International Airport marked a record 100 degrees, breaking the previous high of 99 degrees set in 1988, according to the National Weather Service. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport also hit a temperature of 101 degrees, shattering the 100-degree record set in 1988.
Heat index values are expected to continue teetering above 100 this weekend, with the only chance of refuge being a possible isolated thunderstorm Saturday evening that could bring air temperatures down slightly.
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The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the D.C. area between 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, meaning “extremely dangerous heat conditions” are in store.
“Mostly dry conditions are expected with isolated showers and thunderstorms mainly focused over the mountains,” the weather service wrote.
Yes, June has been 🥵and dry so far
The drought monitor (https://t.co/MP9jYThP7J) has drought conditions across the region
Dulles Airport is off to it’s driest start to June on record (June 1-21) with 0.28″ of rain
Rain chances⬆️this weekend, but still remain isolated pic.twitter.com/dkb9FTnAvy
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 22, 2024
7News Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson added that the region could see “some of the hottest conditions in years moving in for the upcoming weekend.”
The possibility for an isolated thunderstorm on Saturday and Sunday could bring some strong winds to help cool us down from this “dangerous heat,” Johnson said.
Today will be the hottest day of the year thus far. Heat Advisories remain in effect for the majority of the area. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may also be possible this afternoon and evening. pic.twitter.com/2F1TecagHd
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 22, 2024
The National Weather Service said Saturday “will be the hottest day of the year thus far.”
7News Meteorologist Jordan Evans said “another very hot and very humid day” is expected Sunday.
Making plans for the weekend?
Some area jurisdictions have canceled outdoor events and activities ahead of the extreme weather we’ll be seeing this weekend.
To see a preliminary list of canceled events, click here.
If you plan on being outside this weekend — first of all, we’re so sorry — here are some tips on how stay cool:
- Drink plenty of fluids like water or a sports drink
- Stay out of the sun and find the shade
- Check up on relatives and neighbors, and especially vulnerable groups like young children or seniors
- Remember to keep your pets in your sight and not left unattended in vehicles, and make sure they’re hydrated when out for a walk
For those who don’t have access to an air-conditioned room, D.C. offers places to beat the heat. Find a list and map of cooling centers on the District’s interactive map.
The District’s spray parks and pools are open for residents to cool off on these hot days.
Montgomery County, Maryland, does not offer cooling centers, but the county said facilities such as libraries, along with recreation, senior and regional services centers are open to provide respite from the heat. Outdoor and indoor pools are open, but admission rates do apply.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, libraries, community centers, rec centers and human services regional offices also act as cooling centers. County homeless shelters act as cooling centers, too, for those experiencing homelessness.
A list of available cooling centers in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is available online, and in Loudoun County, Virginia, facilities normally open to the public also act as cooling centers.
For a list of all spray parks open in Arlington County, Virginia, click here.
A comprehensive list of cooling centers around the D.C. area can be found here.
Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT:
Mostly clear
Lows: 74-81
Winds: South 5 mph
A very warm overnight forecast with lows only around 80 degrees in the District.
SUNDAY: HEAT ALERT & STORM ALERT
Mostly sunny
Highs: 96-100
Feels Like: 103-108
It will be another very hot and very humid day across the D.C. area. The Heat Risk value Sunday is a Level 4 out of 4, so take the heat alerts seriously. This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Showers and thunderstorms are likely with an approaching front during the evening. Some storms may be strong with gusty winds and lightning.
MONDAY:
Passing clouds, leftover showers
Highs: 91-95
Winds: West 5-15 mph
Some heat relief returns behind the front, with lower humidity and temperatures. Leftover showers and storms are possible in the morning.
TUESDAY:
Sunny and dry
Highs: 89-93
Winds: West 5-10 mph
Lower humidity continues with temperatures in the low 90s around the D.C. area.
WTOP’s Ivy Lyons contributed to this report.
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