Excessive Heat Warning From Noon to 8 PM Across Northern Virginia

With the Northern Virginia region facing potentially the hottest day of the year on Friday, July 19, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from noon to 8 p.m.

An excessive heat warning means a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures will occur, increasing the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illness.

Heat index values around 110 degrees will be created thanks to the combination of temperatures close to triple digits and dewpoints in the middle 70s.

NWS advises Northern Virginia residents to check on relatives and neighbors and to take extra precautions people are working or spending time outside. 

If possible, strenuous activity should be rescheduled for the evening.

Places to Cool Off in Northern Virginia 

• Alexandria: Swimming pools, libraries, community recreation centers, Landmark Mall
• Arlington: All public libraries, community centers, parks with water features, Ocean Dunes Waterpark, Pentagon City Mall
• Fairfax County: All libraries, community and recreation centers, senior centers, water parks

If you know someone who needs help cooling their home, they may qualify for assistance from the government. Cooling assistance (adding fans or an air conditioning unit, help with payment of electric bills) is available from the Virginia Department of Social Services. 

To stay cool: 

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink 2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
• Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because they dehydrate the body.
• Keep cool indoors: If you can, stay in an air-conditioned area. Resting for just two hours in air conditioning can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses.
• Give your body a break: Heat is stressful on your body. Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.
• Eat light meals, avoiding high-protein foods because they increase metabolic heat.
• Don’t take salt tablets unless directed by a doctor.
• Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sunburn makes it more difficult for your body to cool off.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a car—not even for a few minutes. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature in a car on a 93-degree day can soar to 125 degrees in just 20 minutes and approximately 140 degrees in 40 minutes.