DC region under heat advisory, as feels-like temps soar past 100

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The D.C. area is in the grip of yet another oppressive heat wave, with soaring temperatures nearing the century mark — and feels-like temperatures even higher.

A heat advisory from the National Weather Service lasts until 8 p.m. Thursday night.

Thursday’s highs will sit in the upper 90s, with uncomfortable heat index values potentially going up to 108, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin. There is also the risk of isolated thunderstorms in the evening that could become strong to severe with gusty winds and moderate to heavy rain.

“It’s going to be slow for those temperatures to drop (in the evening),” said 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson.

The weather service warns in its forecast to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

There is also a Code Orange air quality alert forecast for the afternoon by Maryland’s Department of the Environment. The department says the “very warm temperatures and a degrading air mass will allow ozone levels to rise” into moderate levels across the state.

The weather will make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially along and just east of the Interstate 95 corridor and east of Baltimore on the Chesapeake Bay coastline.

A Code Orange air quality alert is also in effect for suburban D.C., while Northern Virginia is under a moderate air quality alert for particle pollution, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Thunderstorms later in the day could clear out that higher level of ozone; otherwise, the air quality alert could continue into tomorrow.

Hot and humid conditions over the next several days, paired with an active upper-level pattern, will lead to daily chances for showers and storms through the weekend. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/kQSabin16Q

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 1, 2024

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Looking ahead

Friday will be even hotter, with temperatures reaching 98 and feels-like temperatures between 102 and 108 degrees. 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans says the heat alert could stay in place over the weekend as well.

“Tracking a very hot forecast,” Evans said. “That may continue into Friday, as temperatures also look to be in the upper 90s. Both days will feature shower and thunderstorm chances, some severe weather is possible after we had some gusty winds last night.”

The NWS has also put a heat advisory into effect for Friday from noon to 8 p.m.

“Like all other days, (these storms) could pack a punch with some downpours, isolated flooding, as well as some damaging winds that could lead to a few downed trees and power outages. So make sure those devices are ready to go by the mid part of the day tomorrow,” added Johnson.

The weekend, while more tolerable, will still be uncomfortable, with temperatures staying in the 90s and a heat index value over 100 degrees Saturday.

The latest heat wave comes after the D.C. region experienced its fourth hottest July on record and the third hottest since 2011, Evans said.

The D.C. area has already seen 35 days at or above 90 degrees, almost reaching the annual average, which is 40. Last year through July 31, there were 19 days at or over 90 degrees, and for the whole year there were 32.

Current weather

Forecast:

THURSDAY: HEAT ALERT
Passing clouds, PM storms
Highs: 95-98
Heat Index: 100-107
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
A very hot day in store with high temperatures almost ten degrees above normal. The high humidity will put the heat index above 100 degrees during the afternoon. Afternoon thunderstorms are likely, which may provide some heat relief late in the day. The risk for severe weather is low.

THURSDAY NIGHT:
Leftover showers, mostly cloudy
Lows: 70-80
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Any leftover rain should end by midnight. Temperatures remain mild in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees.

FRIDAY: HEAT ALERT
Passing clouds, PM storms
Highs: 95-99
Heat Index: 102-108
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Temperatures are expected to climb a little more, approaching 100 degrees in some areas. Expect the heat index to be around 105 degrees during the afternoon hours. Once again, possible showers and storms may bring some gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain. The risk for severe weather is low.

THIS WEEKEND:
More storm chances during the day and temperatures will begin to come down across the area. Chances for rain Saturday and Sunday remain at 50% during the afternoon. The risk for severe weather is low, but strong storms are likely with the heat and humidity. High temperatures should stay closer to average, near 90 degrees.