Scorching Heat In Low 100s For NoVA, DC; Cooler Labor Day Expected

VIRGINIA — Wednesday is expected to be a scorcher in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, with a high temperature in the low 100s, according to the National Weather Service. If that's not hot enough for you, heat index values will make it feel like it's between 107 and 109 degrees.

A heat advisory will be in effect for the Baltimore-Washington area from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. High temperatures and humidity will increase the rise of heat illness. Residents are advised to avoid strenuous outside activities and direct sunlight. Instead, residents should stay inside in an air-conditioned room and to remain hydrated.

Fortunately, isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop mainly between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Wednesday, which will cool things down, the weather service reports. Lower temperatures will continue into Labor Day.

"A day of record heat is expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic states where high temperature could reach 100 degrees around the nation's capital," according to NWS. "This heatwave will be relatively short-lived for the Mid-Atlantic as a much cooler and damp air mass associated with a Canadian high pressure system will quickly settle southward across the Great Lakes/New England into the Mid-Atlantic by Thursday."

For the second day in a row, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has issued a Code Orange air day on Wednesday due to higher than normal levels of air pollution. COG recommends residents take the following steps in order to stay safe:

• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
• Fill your vehicles' gas tank after sunset.
• Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

The long-range forecast sees showers and thunderstorms cooling things down to the 80s on Thursday and Friday, but the thermometer will begin to inch up to the upper 80s and lower 90s over the weekend, according to NWS. Labor Day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high 82 degrees.

The long-range forecast sees showers and thunderstorms cooling things down to the 80s on Thursday and Friday, but the thermometer will begin to inch up to the upper 80s and lower 90s over the weekend, according to NWS. Labor Day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high 82 degrees.

Outdoor Activities Cancelled Due To Heat Advisory

Wednesday's heat has prompted the following localities to cancel outdoor events or move them indoors:

• Arlington County: "Due to the excessive heat advisory in effect for Arlington on Wed, Aug. 28, 2024, there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours and during Extended Day. Athletic practices and other after-school athletic activities will also be moved indoors."
• Fairfax City: "The combination of heat and humidity will likely result in heat index values around 105ºF Wednesday afternoon. This increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. There is potential for clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts Wednesday afternoon and evening. Green Acres Center (4011 Sideburn Road, 703-591-0560) will serve as a cooling center on Wednesday, Aug. 28, during operating hours."
• Fairfax County: "Our Heat Plan is activated for Wednesday, August 28, because a Heat Advisory has been issued. Cooling centers will be available during operating hours for people needing relief from the heat

Heat + Thunderstorms + Labor Day Cool Down: NWS

Here is the National Weather Service's long-range forecast through Labor Day for the Baltimore-Washington Area.

• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a high near 89. East wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. 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 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8pm and 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Saturday 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 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Sunday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Sunday Night: A chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Labor Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 79.