Heat Index Up To 108 Expected With Storm Chances In Northern Virginia

VIRGINIA — The start of August is already bringing the heat, as forecasters expect real-feel temperatures up to 108 degrees Thursday. Storm chances will linger for several days in the Northern Virginia forecast.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of the region from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday. Temperatures feeling like they're above 100 are the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity. Heat-related illnesses are a risk during a heat advisory.

Areas under the heat advisory are Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George County, southern Fauquier County, central and southeast Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. There is also a hazardous outlook for the region due to the chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Strong to severe thunderstorms may be possible again on Friday and Saturday during the afternoon and evening.

As the days get hotter again, the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says this is the DC region's fifth heat wave of 2024. The current heat wave could continue for a week, according to forecasters.

"It’s not out of the question that the District hits 100 on Thursday or Friday," the Capital Weather Gang said. "It has already reached the triple digits five times this year (four times in July and once in June), tied for the fifth most instances on record."

Forecasters expect some relief from the heat wave in an estimated 10 days but won't rule out hot weather typical of August.

During a heat advisory, the National Weather Service recommends staying in an air conditioned room, staying out of the sun, checking on relatives and neighbors, wearing lightweight and loose clothing, and not leaving young children and pets unattended in vehicles. Those working outside should take extra precautions, and strenuous activities are recommended in the early morning or evening.

Residents should become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and should prompt a call to 911. A person overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Here's the National Weather Service forecast for the days ahead at Dulles International Airport:

Thursday: Isolated showers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 103. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent. At night, expect scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74, and the chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday: Isolated showers before 11 a.m., then isolated showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 104. At night, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 92. At night, showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 71. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. At night, a chance of thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent at night.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 94. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 69.