Latest Timing For 'Ring Of Fire' Storms As Extreme Heat Lingers In VA

VIRGINIA — Another day of brutal heat will blanket Virginia Wednesday before conditions turn stormy in the evening in what forecasters are calling a "ring of fire" thunderstorm system.

Extreme heat Wednesday, unsafe conditions remain

But before the weather turns unsettled, expect high temperatures in the area to reach the upper 90s. A high temperature of 97 is predicted for the Baltimore-Washington region, with heat index values as warm as 108 degrees. That's just slightly lower than Tuesday's record-breaking high temperature of 110 degrees.

"There is an extreme risk of heat related illnesses through today, especially for those most vulnerable. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room if possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the National Weather Service said in a Wednesday morning briefing.

An extreme heat advisory is in place through Wednesday at 9 p.m.

'Ring of fire' storms move in

Severe weather could move in as early as Wednesday evening, causing temperatures to tick down before a noticeable change Friday, when the high temperature will linger in the low to mid 70s.

AccuWeather reports that a large swath of thunderstorms surrounding the massive heat dome that has engulfed Texas to New England could bring a "ring of fire" to the mid-Atlantic region Wednesday evening.

The pattern is referred to in the weather community as a "ring of fire" because thunderstorms form along the edges of the heat dome, AccuWeather explained. Because the heat dome is warm through most layers of the atmosphere, clouds and storms have difficulty forming.

"However, on the edges of the heat, especially along the northern and western flanks thereof, the air is cooler well above the ground, which makes it easier for clouds to tower and produce thunderstorms," AccuWeather said. "Within this ring, there can be spotty, individual thunderstorms, large clusters of thunderstorms or a solid line of storms that can repeat or meander back and forth as hot and cool air change hands."

The severe weather threat will extend across the Mid-Atlantic region, with locally severe thunderstorms expected through the weekend and into next week.

Risk of flash flooding, severe conditions

The National Weather Service says there is a marginal risk the storms will be severe, and some could bring flash flooding.

Here is the latest Northern Virginia forecast:

Today: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: Isolated showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 101. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: A chance of showers before 11am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.