Code Orange air quality alert in effect for DC area as heat peak continues

The D.C. area saw a return of peak summer-like temperatures Tuesday with heat indexes in the upper 90s. Wednesday will continue to be hot even past nightfall, when temperatures will dip only into the 70s. Here’s what you need to know.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for D.C., northern Maryland and northern and northwest Virginia from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 7 p.m. The NWS reminded residents to stay hydrated and stay out of the sun when possible.

“Tomorrow, temperatures just skyrocket to near 100 degrees under mostly clear skies, with heat index values almost 10 degrees hotter than that,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña said. “So, remember those heat safety tips, especially after a little fake fall that we had last week. You want to make sure that you’re staying hydrated, taking plenty of breaks in the shade and wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing.”

A Code Orange air quality alert is also in effect for suburban D.C. on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

That means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens, minority populations and outdoor workers.

Listen to WTOP online and on the radio at 103.5 FM or 107.7 FM.
Current traffic conditions
Weather forecast
Closings and Delays
Sign up for WTOP email alerts
Get custom alerts with the WTOP app for Apple and Android phones

FORECAST

WEDNESDAY:
HEAT ADVISORY
Partly cloudy
Evening Storm Chance
Highs: 95-100
Heat Index: 100-108+
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
The heat peaks today with high temperatures close to 100 degrees and the heat index as high as 108 degrees. The National Weather Service has posted a heat advisory for parts of the DMV beginning at 1 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Record-high temperatures are also possible. The record at DCA is 99 set back in 1948 and the record at Dulles is 98 from 1993.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
STORM ALERT
Risk of Rain and Storms
Lows: 72-78
Winds: Light & Variable
Storm chances increase tonight, as a weather front approaches. Any storms that develop could become strong to severe. The Storm Prediction Center has areas along and north of I-66 and Route 50 under the Level 2 out of 5 Slight risk category for damaging winds and hail threat.

THURSDAY:
Partly sunny
Isolated Shower, Storm
Highs: 85-90
Winds: East 5-15 mph
It won’t be quite as hot behind Wednesday night’s front with afternoon highs in the upper 80s. It will still be very humid, so feels-like temperatures will peak over 90 degrees tomorrow afternoon. Isolated showers and storms are possible with a weather boundary off to our south. Rain chances are on the low end, so not everyone will get rain.

FRIDAY:
Mostly cloudy
Stray Showers
Highs: 75-80
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Plan for a rather cloudy and very humid day. High temperatures will remain in the 70s for most of the day. Isolated showers are possible, but the bulk of the day will be dry.