Triple-digit heat index to continue in DC area through Fourth of July weekend

You might want to find a pool or some air-conditioning to enjoy this weekend as the heat index in the D.C. area is expected to be in the 100s again. Here’s what you need to know.

Saturday, though not quite as hot as Friday, was still sweltering, with “daytime temperatures anywhere from the mid to upper 90s,” according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory starting at 11 a.m. across the D.C. area for Saturday, matching an excessive heat warning posted in Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties in Maryland. Both weather alerts expired at 8 p.m.

While there might be some relief on Sunday, it’s still going to be a hot one. Rudin expects temperatures to reach the mid-90s.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Friday that she activated the Extended Heat Emergency through Tuesday or until conditions improve.

How people are staying cool

Swimmers attempt to beat the heat in D.C.’s Francis Pool. (WTOP/Grace Newton)

Francis Pool in the District’s West End is one of the outdoor pools D.C. residents are using to stay refreshed during the sweltering heat.

Tilman Wuerschmidt said he’s been enjoying the facility since the late-1990s, with the site becoming more popular over the years. “I think it’s generally a change in attitude towards public infrastructure and services and a completely different demographic.”

He said there was a line to enter when he arrived Friday morning: “I don’t know what I think about it, because now it’s cleaner. But now, it’s always crowded.”

A woman, who didn’t want to be identified, told WTOP reporter Grace Newton that while she has lived in the neighborhood for the last two decades, she only began enjoying the Francis Pool recently, calling it a “great urban oasis.”

“I was never was big on public pools. But then I saw it, its beautiful. It’s clean. It’s huge,” she said. The woman said getting a poolside chair can be a challenge, “which is why I am here early.”



The District is encouraging residents to check on neighbors and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Those without air conditioning in their homes are encouraged to seek relief.

Find a list of the cooling centers and extended hours on the District’s website.

Outages:

Current weather:

Forecast:

SATURDAY EVENING: HEAT ALERT
HEAT ADVISORY until 8 p.m.
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING until 8 p.m. for ANNE ARUNDEL, CALVERT, ST. MARY’S COUNTIES
Isolated shower possible
Temps: 94-99
Heat Index: 102-108
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Temperatures remain dangerously hot. Cannot rule out a shower or storm that would not last very long.

SATURDAY NIGHT:
Partly Cloudy
Lows: 75-80
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Mild and muggy conditions with passing clouds.

SUNDAY:
Partly to Mostly Sunny
Highs: 92-96
Winds: North 5-10 mph
A slight drop in humidity is expected to round out the weekend, which will be a welcome change. It will still be hot with afternoon highs in the low to mid 90s.

MONDAY:
Partly Sunny, Evening Storms
Highs: 92-96
Winds: North 5-10 mph
Added humidity along with highs in the 90s will make for another sizzler. Feels like readings will range between 100 and 105 degrees. Scattered showers or thunderstorms are possible.

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Valerie Bonk

Valerie Bonk started working at WTOP in 2016 and has lived in Howard County, Maryland, her entire life. She's thrilled to be a reporter for WTOP telling stories on air. She works as both a television and radio reporter in the Maryland and D.C. areas. 

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