Heat to Break Sunday Afternoon with Possible Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms, wind and hail may move through Alexandria Sunday afternoon, bringing additional relief from this weekend's record-breaking heat. 

Saturday's high temperature at Reagan National Airport was 105. Sunday, temperatures will drop back into the 90s. Monday's high temperatures may be in the mid-80s.

The National Weather Service predicts Sunday will begin partly sunny with a high near 97 and a heat index value of 103.

Around 3 p.m., the beginning of a cold front pushing southward across the Mid-Atlantic will bring showers and thunderstorms, with a possibility of damaging wind and hail, NWS said.

Some areas will see only a tenth of an inch of rainfall; in areas with thunderstorms, however, that amount will be greater.

The National Weather Service offers the following safety tips for thunderstorms:

• Monitor developing thunderstorms. The “Flash to Bang” method can help estimate your distance from lightning. If you see lightning, count the number of seconds until you hear thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five to get the distance in miles.
  
  
• If you can hear thunder, seek shelter.  Even if it is not raining, lightning can strike within 10 miles of an area that is experiencing rain.
  
  
• Stop all outdoor activities at the first clap of thunder to give yourself time to move indoors. Leaders of outdoor events should have a plan for moving participants inside.
  
  
• If you cannot go indoors, squat low to the ground to make yourself the smallest target possible. Go to a low-lying area and stay away from trees, poles and metal objects.
  
  
• Avoid electrical equipment, plumbing, windows and concrete floors and walls when indoors.
  
  
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone has been struck by lightning. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge.

In the event of a power outage, residents are reminded to call 1-800-DOM-HELP.