WASHINGTON — The next couple of days will be extremely hot — hot to the degree that it could be dangerous to your health.
Meteorologists say Monday will be the hottest day so far this summer. Heat advisories and warnings are likely through Monday.
“The nasty heat and humidity combined with the approaching cold front will provide the best chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms Monday, some of which may be strong,” said NBC Washington meteorologist Steve Prinzivalli.
At 6:40 p.m. Saturday, the temperature in D.C. was 96 degrees.
But the records for July 23 were not broken Saturday.
It reached 98 degrees at all three area airports.
The record for July 23 at Reagan National Airport is 102, set in 2011, while the records for Dulles International and BWI-Marshall Airport were set in 1991. Dulles saw 99 degrees that year, while BWI saw 102.
NBC Washington meteorologist Amelia Draper said on Sunday the “humidity will be a bit lower. It will still feel like 100.”
A heat index near 105 is the forecast for Sunday.
WHAT TO EXPECT
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy and still hot but with lower humidity.
Highs: Upper 90s
Wind: North to south 5-10 mph
MONDAY: Near-record heat — the hottest day of the heat wave. Partly sunny with afternoon storms.
Highs: near 100
Heat Index: 100-108
Check the forecast on WTOP’s Weather page.
SIGNS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES
With the weather as hot as it will be, you need to be on the lookout for the signs of heat exhaustion and, even more serious, heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion warning signs and symptoms:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- Heavy sweating
- Fainting
If you have any of these symptoms, you should move to a cooler location, loosen your clothes, lie down, apply wet, cool cloth to as much of your body as possible and sip water, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Vomiting that does not stop is a sign that you should seek medical help right away.
Heat stroke warning signs and symptoms:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Fast and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
If you suspect heat stroke, call 911. Do not give fluids to someone experiencing heat stroke symptoms. Move them to a cooler location and try to lower his body temperature using cool cloths or a bath.
Muscle cramping might be the first sign of heat-related illness, the CDC advises.
