High-90s Temperatures, Humidity Expected In VA, DC This Weekend: Forecasters

VIRGINIA/DC — This weekend is going to be extra hot in Virginia and Washington, D.C., prompting the National Weather Service to issue a special weather statement for the region.

Temperatures will be in the 90s on Friday, and heat indices may approach 100 degrees on Saturday, the weather statement said.

"This level of heat will continue through Sunday," forecasters say.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for the I-95 corridor through Northern Virginia and District of Columbia. Heat indices — what it feels like outside when humidity is combined with high temperatures — in the mid-90s are likely Friday afternoon, especially near and south of Washington, D.C., the NWS said.

Saturday is forecast to be the hottest day of the weekend, with a chance of record temperatures.

"Friday will be the first 90-degree day in the Baltimore and Washington region since September. Saturday is forecast to be the hottest day of the weekend, with many locations reaching the mid-90s and heat indices approaching 100," Accuweather predicts. "This level of heat will continue through Sunday."

Forecasters also calling for a slight chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.

"The abrupt beginning of hot temperatures early in the season after a relatively cool spring brings an increased risk of heat illnesses unless proper precautions are taken for those working or recreating outdoors," the NWS said.

Since many outdoor events are planned this weekend, be aware of the heat, and take extra precautions if you are outside, Accuweather said. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Plan to wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and seek shade from the sun. Schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioning and stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages.

The heat combined with surging humidity and sunshine will make it feel like near to above 100 degrees for several hours during the midday and afternoon hours on Saturday, Accuweather said.

In a few cases, the heat could be the most intense since the summer of 2020, Accuweather forecasters said. The predicted high in Richmond on Saturday is 99.

The highest temperature in Richmond during the summer of 2021 was 96 in June and July. The last time the thermometer there had readings in the upper 90s or higher was on July 28, 2020, when the high topped out at 101.

The extreme heat is forecast to move out of the area at the end of the weekend. High temperatures on Monday and Tuesday are expected in the 70s.

Here's the NWS forecast for the close-in suburbs of D.C. for the next few days:

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Sunday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m, then a chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Monday: A chance of showers after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.

Monday night: A chance of showers before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Tuesday: A chance of showers after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.