Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For DC, Parts Of NoVA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect Wednesday evening until6:15 p.m. for parts of Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia. A severe thunderstorm was located over American Legion Bridge, moving northeast at 40 mph, at 5:23 p.m., the National Weather Service said. The storm carried the potential for 60 mph wind gusts.

Areas included in the warning are: the northern District of Columbia, eastern Loudoun County, northern Arlington County, the city of Falls Church, northeastern Fairfax County, Arlington, Annandale, Vienna, and McLean.

Weather experts warn that damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

The storm won't help cool off the region, which is expected to feel like 110 degrees this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory July 17. By this weekend the actual temperature will hit the triple digits in a prolonged heat wave.

The advisory begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday and runs through 8 p.m. During this period the heat index — or what the combination of heat and humidity make the temperature feel like — will reach 105 to 110 degrees, the Weather Service says. Actual temperatures will climb into the mid-90s with dewpoints in the low 70s.

A heat advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside, authorities warn. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Thunderstorms are likely through Thursday night, but they won't cool down the region. The high temperature will hit 97 degrees on Wednesday, 99 degrees on Friday and 100 degrees on Saturday.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose- fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

Areas in the advisory include: the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, and Dahlgren.

The Weather Service reminds residents it is never safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car in these temperatures. "If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Kids plays in cars and can get locked in. Already 9 toddlers have died in hot cars in 2019," the agency said.

Health experts urge residents to follow these following tips to help cope with hot weather:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
• Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
• Avoid salt tablets, unless advised by a doctor to take them
• Take it easy outside: schedule physical activity in the morning or evening, when it's cooler, and take short breaks if necessary
• Stay in air-conditioning when possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a shopping mall or public library

How To Stay Safe In The Heat

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, can be fatal if not treated immediately. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to overheating without a way to cool down.

Symptoms include confusion; slurred speech; seizures; hot, dry skin or extreme sweating; altered mental status; very high body temperature; and loss of consciousness/coma. If someone exhibits signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include: heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; weakness or dizziness; and a headache.

Here's the DC area forecast through the weekend:

Wednesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 106. South wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11pm, then isolated showers. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night: Scattered thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 83.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 83.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Chance of precipitation is 30%.