NoVA, DC Weather: Oppressive Heat Before Storms Bring Relief

VIRGINIA — Stifling heat and humidity will make it feel like 105 degrees across the northern Virginia and DC on Tuesday. A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for areas along and east of I-95 from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Wednesday will also feel sticky, with a high of 91 degrees before storms knock down the humidity. Thursday offers a perfect summer day with a high in the mid-80s, sunny skies and low humidity.

"High heat and humidity weigh us down again today with slightly higher odds of late-day showers and thunderstorms, and an even better chance of storms tomorrow," said The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. "This summer stagnation should start easing by Thursday with significant improvement by Friday into the weekend. In fact, this could be one of the nicest weather weekends of this whole summer.

A hazardous weather outlook is in effect for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia.

The outlook includes Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania and King George, according to the National Weather Service.

A southward dip in the jet stream will pull cooler and less humid air across the mid-Atlantic region by the end of the week, AccuWeather reports.

Locations such as Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., which recorded high temperatures roughly 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit above average on Aug. 4, are forecast to drop between 5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit below normal by Friday, AccuWeather said.

Excessive heat can be life-threatening among at-risk populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, the National Weather Service said.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and stay in an air-conditioned room. Check up on relatives and neighbors, and provide pets with adequate water and shelter from the sun.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and
loose fitting clothing.

Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind around 6 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light northwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 62.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82.