Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued As Temps Top 100 In NoVA, DC

VIRGINIA — Amid scorching heat, the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Washington, D.C., and parts of Northern Virginia until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The region is also under a heat advisory for the second day in a row. Excessive heat warnings and watches extend from the Mid-Atlantic region to parts of New England. The temperature was 103 degrees at Washington/Reagan National Airport at 3:50 p.m.

The severe thunderstorm watch includes: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, plus Alexandria, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park.

"The near-record temperatures and high humidity suggest major to extreme heat risk conditions for portions of the East, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the NWS foreccast. "Extremely dangerous and potentially deadly heat, particularly for urban areas in the Southeast and East Coast, are forecast."

An excessive heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, while an excessive heat watch is in effect Tuesday morning through evening, the weather service said.

Isolated severe thunderstorms with potentially damaging wind gusts and scattered showers are possible after 2 p.m. and into the evening on Tuesday, NWS says. Expect the day to be sunny and hot, with a high temperature to near 100 degrees and heat index values as high 109.

A light southwest wind is forecast to increase from 6 to 11 mph Tuesday morning. As the thunderstorms move into the region in the afternoon, Northern Virginia and the greater DC area could see wind gusts as high as 22 mph.

"Many daily record highs are possible for the East Coast, and numerous warm overnight lows will provide little relief from the heat overnight," according to the NWS forecast. "Heat stress will build rapidly for those without adequate cooling or hydration."

On Wednesday, showers and severe thunderstorms are expected to develop over parts of the Eastern Ohio Valley, Lower Great Lakes, Central Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, the weather services says. Expect severe thunderstorms to roll in over parts of the Mid-Atlantic to New England from Wednesday through Thursday morning.

"The hazards associated with these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, and a minimal threat of hail and tornadoes," according to NWS.

On Sunday, a record high temperature of 101 degrees was set at Washington Reagan National Airport, breaking the old record of 100, while the record high of 98 degrees was tied at Dulles International Airport.

An excessive heat warning means dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 degrees are expected, the agency said. An excessive heat watch means dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 are possible.

NWS shared the following guidance on how residents across the Baltimore-Washington area can avoid the effects of the dangerously high temperatures:

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast for the week ahead in the greater DC area.

• Tuesday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. 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 after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
• Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
• Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 40%.